BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Louisiana Tech picked up points from all 12 Bulldogs at the Pete Hanna Center Saturday afternoon and defeated UT Southern by a final score of 91-47 for a perfect 3-0 in the multi-team event.
LA Tech (5-2) similarly won against Alabama A&M and Samford. The Bulldogs forced turnovers (20 that turned into 27 points) and knocked down three-pointers (made a season-high 15 from across the arc).
The ‘Dogs had little trouble with UT Southern (6-3) up front, getting a three from Keaston Willis to start the game and then getting another from the sniper to make it 26-6 with 10 minutes left make first half.
The Firehawks were limited to just five field goals in the first half and took 12 of their 23 points from the foul line in the first 20 minutes.
The Bulldogs’ 46-23 half-time lead gradually grew as the second half progressed. Quandre Bullock was the last LA Tech player to score, scoring nine points in the final four minutes of the game.
Willis and Dravon Mangum each scored 17 points to take the lead (season-high for Mangum). The Firehawks only had one player in double figures as Kevion Hancock scored 11.
QUOTES
Head coach Talvin Hester
“I’m really proud of the team that won four games in six days. I’m proud of their dedication and intensity throughout the week. You have completed the task. Was excited that everyone was able to play and contribute today. We had some older guys who came up to us and pointed us in the right direction. I thought, Isaiah, Cobe, Keaston, these guys really got going this week. I also have to give credit to my assistant coaches who prepared us well.”
NOTE
With the 91-47 win, LA Tech now leads the all-time streak over UT Southern 1-0. This was the second game this season the Bulldogs defeated a first-time opponent (Alabama A&M).
The Bulldogs have won four straight games. They have now enjoyed at least a four-game winning streak in every season since 2008/09.
LA Tech went unbeaten in its ninth multi-team event in the last decade.
For the fifth time in seven games, the Bulldogs forced more than 20 turnovers.
LA Tech set season-highs in three-pointers made (15), rebounds (58), and steals (12).
Dravon Mangum became the eighth Bulldog this season to score double digits in a single season (he posted a season-best 17).
Keaston Willis hit a season-high with five threes. In the four wins this week, he hit a total of 14 triples.
Will Allen had a game high and a career high with nine rebounds.
Isaiah Crawford and Jordan Crawford each recorded four steals in the game. A Bulldog has made four steals in a single game five times this season.
Jordan Crawford recorded a season-high eight assists. He has a team-high 33 assists this season.
Ben Ponder scored his first points of the season, posting a career-high five points.
NEXT
LA Tech will return to the hardwood on Friday, December 2 when they host the Southern Jaguars. The matchup will be played at 6:00 p.m. CT and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
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