Nov. 8, 2008
RUSTON -- Exhibition or not, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs started the 2008-09 season on the right foot offensively with a 91-73 win over Oklahoma Panhandle State University Saturday night in the Thomas Assembly Center.
"It's good to get one under our belts," Tech head coach Kerry Rupp said. "It's a great starting point for us. I thought our offense performed well tonight, and it was a good team effort."
The Bulldogs jumped out to a quick 10-2 lead early in the first half and would not come close to relinquishing the lead for the remainder of the night. Tech outscored the Aggies 51-24 in the first half.
The Bulldogs dominated the points in the paint compared to OPSU by a total of 42-22 and second chance points 23-10.
Four Bulldogs finished the night in double-figures led by junior Magnum Rolle in his Bulldog debut recording one of two Tech double-doubles with 23 points and 15 rebounds. Junior Kenneth Cooper had the second with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Redshirt Olu Ashaolu totaled 17 points and six rebounds, while junior Jamel Guyton finished with 13 points.
The Bulldogs finished the night on 32 of 65 shooting for 49.2 percent. Tech also outrebounded OPSU 53-32.
Tech opens the regular season Saturday, Nov. 15, on the road against UL-Lafayette. Tip off is set for 7 p.m. and will be heard live on ESPN 97.7 FM and Fox 92.7 FM.
