Ruston, LA (Sports Network) - Raheem Appleby recorded a team-high 12 points as
the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defeated the Denver Pioneers, 68-60, in Western
Athletic Conference action at the Thomas Assembly Center.
Kenneth Smith and Kenyon McNeail scored 10 points each for the Bulldogs (10-3,
1-0 WAC) as they remained undefeated at home. Michale Kyser scored eight
points to go with eight rebounds and three blocked shots.
For the Pioneers (4-7, 0-1), Royce O'Neale scored a game-high 18 points and
pulled down seven rebounds. Chris Udofia scored 10 points and pulled down six
rebounds in the setback, the first for the program in the new conference after
making the move from the Sun Belt.
Denver, which has now lost two of the last three, led by a basket early on,
but the squad shot just 1-of-9 behind the 3-point line in the first half,
leaving the visitors with a 32-26 deficit at the break.
The Bulldogs kept up the strong defense on the perimeter, holding the Pioneers
to 3-of-10 from 3-point range in the second half. Louisiana Tech also knocked
down 4-of-7 from long range after intermission in order to secure the eight-
point win.
The Bulldogs led by as many as 13 points in the second half, using 17 forced
turnovers to help combat 16-of-25 shooting at the free-throw line for the
hosts.
GAME NOTES:
The Sports Network