RUSTON – Louisiana Tech fell in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday afternoon as North Texas hit a game-winning three in the final seconds to come away with a 63-62 decision inside the Thomas Assembly Center on Karl Malone Court.
 
LA Tech (16-5, 7-2 C-USA) exploded early in the second half, going on a 15-0 run that featured three straight three-pointers – one by Exavian Christon and two by Keaston Willis – to go up 48-31.
 
North Texas (15-4, 8-1 C-USA) battled back though, countering with a 10-0 run and eventually getting its deficit down to two at 62-60 with 1:40 to go.
 
Facing one of the best defenses in the country, the Bulldogs went ice cold from the field, making only one field goal in the final 10 minutes of the game.  They were converting from the free throw line though, making 22 of their 26 attempts.
 
It appeared as though Kenneth Lofton, Jr., who had another sensational game with 20 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block – was going to go back to the foul line as he had two shot attempts missed in the paint on a double team.
 
No foul was called and the Mean Green called a timeout with 20 seconds to play (and 18 ticks on the shot clock). 
 
Tylor Perry, who was just 1-of-7 from the field going into the final possession, missed his seventh shot – a three from the corner.  However, Thomas Bell pulled down the offensive rebound and kicked it back out to Perry who did not miss his eighth, making a three to go up one with about five seconds left.
 
Amorie Archibald had a chance to win the game at the buzzer, but his three-point attempt was off the mark.
 

 

NOTABLES

• With the loss, LA Tech now leads the all-time series over North Texas, 27-14.This was the ninth time in the last 10 meetings that the game was decided by six points or less (and the fifth time decided by two points or less).
• LA Tech made 22 free throws, marking the third time this season they have made 20+ in a single game.
• Kenneth Lofton, Jr. recorded his 12th double-double of the season and the 21st of his career with 20 points and 11 rebounds.He has scored 20+ points in three of his last four games.
• Kenneth Lofton, Jr. also led the team in assists with four.He has registered at least three assists in five of the last six games.
• Keaston Willis went 4-of-5 from beyond the arc to add 12 points.He now has a team-leading 55 three-pointers on the season.It was the 11th time this season he has made at least three triples in a single game.

UP NEXT
LA Tech starts a three-game road stretch on Thursday, Feb. 3 at Florida Atlantic.  Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. CT and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
 
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