NAIA Championship: LSU Alexandria v. Bethel
Louisiana State University of Alexandria competes with Bethel in the quarterfinal round of the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship, Friday, March 21, 2025, at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. / Michael Gulledge, Show-Me Hoops

NAIA Championship: LSU Alexandria v. Bethel

Louisiana State University of Alexandria competes with Bethel in the quarterfinal round of the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship, Friday, March 21, 2025, at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. / Michael Gulledge, Show-Me Hoops

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Louisiana State University of Alexandria overcame 19 lead changes and overtime to defeat Bethel and progress to the NAIA national championship semifinals.

The No. 1-seeded Generals improved to 31-2 on the 28 points of Kashie Natt and 26 of EJ McQuillan. Brayden Thompson tallied 10.

Natt had a double-double with 15 rebounds.

This is LSU-Alexandria’s first appearance in the NAIA men’s basketball national championship since 2015.

The Generals held Bethel, a four seed, to a 39-31 lead at halftime before the Pilots (24-9) drove the game to overtime.

Preston Phillips hit 29 points for Bethel.

LSU-Alexandria will face 7-seed Oklahoma Wesleyan at 7 p.m. Saturday here at Municipal Auditorium.