LA TECH bests Fresno State

Louisiana Tech got out to a big lead, Fresno State closed but the point differential proved to be too much as the southern Bulldogs won 81-73.

At the 14:45 mark of the second half, host LT lead 53-33.

With 5:30 remaining, it was reduced by 10 to 67-57.

The lead got cut to six -- 72-66 -- with 3:11 showing.

But two minutes later, it went in the other direction -- 77-68

FSU point Steve Shepp didn't travel/play tonight, apparently because he needed to attend an accelerated winter break course.

Kyle Gibson was definitely in 'eharmony' mode with the basket at 32 points scored. He shot 9-15 overall, 7-12 on three-point attempts and 7-7 from the foul line. Magnum Rolle contributed a double-double of 16 points and 13 boards. Jamel Guyton was off with his two-point attempts but still made 4-9 treys.

Tech out-rebounded Fresno State 35-24.

Only Greg Smith at 6-10 shot well for Steve Cleveland's squad. Sylvester Seay scored 19 on 6-16 shooting and Paul George 18 on the same shooting numbers. As a team, FSU shot 41% to Louisiana Tech's 46%.