Ruston, LA (Sports Network) - Kenneth Smith scored 22 points and handed out
eight assists as the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs held on to defeat the Idaho
Vandals, 72-66, in Western Athletic Conference action at the Thomas Assembly
Center.
Raheem Appleby came off the bench to register 20 points for the Bulldogs
(15-3, 6-0 WAC) in just 23 minutes of action as the team won for the seventh
time in as many games. Kenyon McNeail added 13 points for the hosts.
The Vandals (6-10, 2-4) were paced by Stephen Madison who dropped in 21 points
and grabbed eight rebounds, followed by Kyle Barone with 19 points and seven
boards but still the team lost a fourth straight outing.
LaTech shot a dismal 26.5 percent from the field in the first half, including
2-of-15 beyond the arc, yet the team remained within five points at the break,
30-25.
In the second half both teams shot at least 50 percent from the floor, but
while Idaho connected on only 1-of-5 from 3-point range, the Bulldogs made
good on 8-of-18 on the perimeter in order to capture the six-point victory.
Idaho was guilty of 23 turnovers, which the Bulldogs traded in for 33 points
on the night.
GAME NOTES:
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