Louisiana Tech vs. Jackson State Preview
Louisiana Tech (0-1) is coming off a 93-64 loss at No. 14 Alabama this past Tuesday night in the 2021-22 season opener. With the score tied at 16-16 seven minutes in, the Crimson Tide outscored the Bulldogs, 35-12, to build a 17-point halftime lead. LA Tech quickly sliced the deficit down to 12 early in the second half, but Alabama pulled away in large part by hitting 13 three-pointers.
Three Bulldogs scored in double-figures, led by Keaston Willis who came off the bench to register 16 points while making three three-pointers. Isaiah Crawford recorded 15 points and seven rebounds and Kenneth Lofton, Jr. added 12 points and a team-high nine boards in limited action.
LA Tech rides an eight-game home winning streak into Friday's home opener in the TAC. The Bulldogs have won 21 of its last 22 games in the TAC and have also won 21 straight home contests against non-conference opponents.
Meanwhile, Jackson State (0-1) opened up the season with a 71-47 loss at No. 11 Illinois. It is one of 12 straight road games the Tigers will play. Jayveous McKinnis collected a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. The forward, who is a two-time SWAC Defensive Player of the Year selection, was recently named to the watch list for the Lou Henson National Player of the Year Award, presented annually to the top mid-major player in Division I college basketball.
JSU went 12-6 last season, going undefeated in conference play with a perfect 11-0 record in route to being co-regular season SWAC champions. The Tigers were picked to finish third in the SWAC preseason poll.
LA Tech and Jackson State will meet for the 15th time on the hardwood. The Bulldogs have won 11 in a row in the series, including last season's 85-58 victory in Ruston.
