Dec. 28, 2008

Box Score

LOS ANGELES -- A large deficit in the first half cost the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (6-7) a 78-55 loss to the No. 13 UCLA (10-2) Bruins Sunday afternoon in Pauley Pavilion.

"UCLA is a very good team, and they are very well coached," Tech head coach Kerry Rupp said. "We knew we had to be our best going in. We got some good shots, but we made 21 turnovers, and that killed us. Again, our hats go off to them; their staff does a great job."

The Bulldogs trailed 37-17 in the first half after shooting just 24 percent and going 7-of-29 from the field. Tech, however, stayed nearly stride for stride with the Bruins in the second half of play and scored 38 points in the final stanza of play.

Junior Magnum Rolle led all scorers on the night with 17 points after going 8-of-10 from the field for the day. Junior Kyle Gibson finished with 11 points for Tech, as well.

Josh Shipp led UCLA with 16 points.

The win for the Bruins extends their winning streak to six-consecutive games.

Rupp added that even with the loss, it was a good opportunity for his team to get ready for conference play which begins next weekend.

"This kind of competition lets us know where we want to be," Rupp said.

Tech will return to action Saturday, Jan. 3, at San Jose State to being the 2008-09 WAC season. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m. and can be heard live on KXKZ 107.5 FM in Ruston.