LBWCC needed a big win today.

Down the stretch, the Saints drained needed free throws and held off Faulkner State’s press within the last minute to win 78-73 to open conference play.

“We needed this,” Saints coach Ricky Knight said. “That was a big win for us.”

The Saints (4-7, 1-0 in ACCC South) led 43-39 at halftime, and led 62-59 with eight minutes left to play in the second half. LBWCC utilized its quick transition and efficient inside game for easy points in the paint.

With 41 seconds left, Faulkner State’s Jeremy Newsome hit a 3-pointer to cut the game to 74-71.

The Sun Chiefs (9-3, 0-1) took a quick timeout to regroup.

Saints guard Malcolm Snyder, who led LBWCC with 27 points, drained a pair of free throws to put the lead at 76-71 with 26 ticks to go.

Faulkner State’s Stanley Magee and LBWCC’s Jamicheal Lofton drained the back end of their pairs of foul shots to keep the game going.

FSCC took a timeout with 10 seconds left, but nothing came out of it as the Saints pressed on defense.

Snyder was 10-of-13 from the field. Kyser Irby had a double-double 21 points and 11 rebounds to pace the Saints. Lofton added 10 points.

MaGee had 20 points. Jamal Rodgers added 13 points and Calvin Dade had 10 points for the Sun Chiefs.

The Saints will be back in action on Monday as they host Alabama Southern in conference play.