LAKE CHARLES, La. – The University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball team defeated McNeese State University (MSU), 69-67, on Saturday afternoon at the Legacy Center.

Robert "RJ" Glasper led the UIW offense with another 20-point performance. Drew Lutz also contributed a double-digit game, registering 16 points, including two clutch free throws in the final seconds of the game. 

This was a battle for the entire 40 minutes of the game. With nine lead changes and three ties, the Cardinals stayed strong and secured the victory. 

UIW, down 4-0 to start the game, bounced back as Sese Hassan Mobutu, Drew Lutz and Benjamin Griscti rallied the team with three treys in a row to gain the 11-10 lead. UIW held onto the edge through most of the first half before the Cowboys tied the game at 28 with four minutes left. Glasper gave the advantage back to the Cardinals with a corner three. GG Ezedinma ended the half with a basket from behind the arch to give the Cardinals the lead heading into the halftime break. 

UIW continued the offensive pressure into the second 20 minutes of the game. Glasper led the Cardinals to a four-point lead. Griscti then knocked down another three that gave UIW back the 40-39 lead early in the second half. Brandon Swaby went coast-to-coast to extend the advantage, 54-48. Ezedinma added his second trey of the game to push the Cardinals ahead by four (61-57). Glasper drove through the Cowboy defense for an and-one play. Lutz secured the 69-67 victory by knocking down two free throws with eight seconds left in the game.

UP NEXT 
The Cardinals host Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi for the final regular-season game of the 2022 season. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, March 5, at 4 p.m. CT. 

FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics, and like UIW Athletics on Facebook.  
Follow the team on Twitter @UIWMBB and Instagram @uiwmensbasketball.