LUBBOCK, Texas -- Lubbock Christian's Parker Hicks spurred a critical run in the first half and matched a season high with 25 points to lead the top-ranked Chaps to a 66-52 win over Midwestern State Thursday night at Rip Griffin Center.

LCU improved to 20-0 overall and 8-0 in Lone Star Conference, but had to overcome a strong start by MSU (8-13, 4-5 LSC).

"The only disappointment I had tonight was that we weren't at our best tonight. You are left with shoulda, coulda, woulda," MSU coach Justin Leslie said. "I was pleased defensively, but we couldn't find ways to score tonight."

The Mustangs used a strong inside presence with the trio of Amaechi Chukwu, Jalin Brown and Jermane Carter scoring all but three of the team's first 17 points.

Chukwu ignited an 8-0 run with a left-handed hook shot, then Carter drove for a layup and hit a jumper in the paint before Brown connected on a pair of free throws to stake the Mustangs to a 17-10 lead with just under 10 minutes to play in the first half.

Midwestern State was unable to capitalize on that momentum. The Mustangs misfired on their next 11 shots allowing the Chaps to take control with a 13-0 burst.

Hicks was right at the heart of the run scoring nine of his 11 first-half point during the 5-minutes stretch. Cameron Copley contributed the other four points including the jumper that gave LCU a 23-17 lead with 4 1/2 minutes left in the first half.

"We missed four layups in that stretch," Leslie said. "We knew we had to keep with them offensively. They hit their stride during the stretch late in the second half."

Senior Lloyd Daniels pushed Lubbock Christian to a strong start in the second half scoring nine of his 21 points in the opening four minutes to extend the Chaps' lead into double figures. He also dished out seven assists as the Chaps ended the night shooting 54.5 percent from the field and going 9-of-19 from the arc.

Hicks buried four of the 3-pointers while connecting on nine of his 15 shots from the field and grabbing eight rebounds.

"Give Parker Hicks and Lloyd Daniels a lot of credit. They made a lot big plays tonight," Leslie said. "Whenever we started to make a move, they had an answer. We knew the ball was going to those guys. They were really smart and really good with a play after the play."

Senior forward Jalin Brown matched a season high with 10 points and pulled down five rebounds, while freshman Amaechi Chukwu delivered his fifth double-digit scoring night in the last six games with a duplicate line of 10 points and five rebounds.

Junior guard Terrell Wilson eclipsed 700 career points finishing the game with nine points.

Midwestern State snapped a string of five straight game shooting better than 40 percent as a team finishing at 37.5 percent. The Mustangs were limited to season low two made 3-pointers on 17 attempts.

"They are the smartest team I have faced in some time," Leslie said. "They are able to get on the same page on the floor both defensive and offensively. They were able to put themselves in an advantageous position both defensively and offensive. That's what championship teams do. They aren't ever going to beat themselves. A team is going to have to do something to beat them."

Midwestern State looks to bounce back at Eastern New Mexico Saturday afternoon at Greyhound Arena in Portales. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.  (Central Time).
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