Louisiana Tech secured a 77-71 victory over Jacksonville State on Wednesday night at the Thomas Assembly Center. The Bulldogs established an early lead, entering halftime with a 39-20 advantage after shooting 56.7 percent from the field and holding the Gamecocks to just 26.9 percent.
Sophomore AJ Bates played a key role, recording a double-double with 13 points and a career-high 15 assists, setting a new program record for most assists in a Conference USA game. He also contributed four rebounds and three steals.
“We were locked in. The ball got moving, our guards were very good at making the extra pass. We were getting wide open shots that we can make. We made shots and really guarded, which gave us easy baskets. We ended up with 23 assists on 29 baskets. That is how you win basketball games,” said head coach Talvin Hester about the first half performance.
The Bulldogs extended their lead to as much as 41-20 early in the second half before Jacksonville State responded with increased scoring from AC Bryant and Mostapha El Moutaouakkil, who combined for 34 points after halftime. Despite turnovers and defensive lapses late in the game, Louisiana Tech held on as DJ Dudley made crucial free throws in the final minute.
“Our lack of maturity as a team showed. We came out with the fire to defend, guarding the ball. In the second half, we started fouling and playing with our hands too much. The ball was not moving like it was in the first half either. The game is 40 minutes. We were in the same position against Middle Tennessee. There is no team in this league that is going to shut it down. Jax State had some guys make some big plays. We were playing tense and tight, giving away live ball turnovers. We must clean all of that up,” Hester commented on his team’s performance.
DJ Dudley led Louisiana Tech with 22 points, marking his sixth game this season with at least 20 points scored and fifth time hitting at least four three-pointers in a contest.
Avery Thomas II posted his fourth double-double of the season with 13 points and ten rebounds while Melian Martinez scored a career-high 13 points on six-of-seven shooting along with three blocks.
With this result, Louisiana Tech improved its record to 15-11 overall (8-7 CUSA) and moved to a tie in their all-time series against Jacksonville State at three wins each. The Bulldogs have now achieved at least fifteen victories for fifteen consecutive seasons and remain strong at home with thirteen wins out of fifteen games played there this year.
Other notable statistics include Louisiana Tech dishing out twenty-three assists—second highest for them this season—and outscoring Jacksonville State by twenty points in paint scoring.
“I have always told AJ that if you go out and distribute the ball early, then the floor will open up for you later. We were able to make shots. Later, he was able to get downhill and score because they were worried about him distributing the ball. He had an unbelievable tonight,” said Hester regarding Bates’ impact on offense.
Next up for Louisiana Tech is an away game against Kennesaw State on Saturday, February 21.
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