KATY, Texas โ The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi men's basketball team is going "dancing" for the first time since 2007 with a 73-65 win over Southeastern Louisiana in the Southland Conference Championship Game Saturday in Katy.
The Islanders got a huge spark plug from De'Lazarus Keys who helped Steve Lutz's team overcome a 16-6 first half deficit. Keys had several dunks in transition that helped Texas A&M-CC grab a 35-30 lead at the half.
The Lions would grab a brief second half lead at 40-39, but San Antonio Brinson would help put Southeastern away. Brinson came in with just seven three-pointers all season long, but had a pair with 14 minutes to go and three overall on the night.
Terrion Murdix and Jalen Jackson each lead the way with 13 points.
For Lutz it's a trip to the NCAA Tournament in his first year at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and first as a Division I head coach. Lutz was a coach for 26 years before getting his first opportunity with the Islanders.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi will now find out its opponent in the big dance on Sunday. Ashley Gonzalez will have more on 3News: First Edition Sunday.