LA Tech vs. North Texas Preview
LA Tech got back into the win column on Thursday, defeating Rice by a final score of 80-63. Offensively, the Bulldogs shot 48.5 percent from the field, 42.9 percent from deep and made all seven of their free throw attempts. Defensively, they limited the Owls who came in ranked in the top 10 in the country in three-point shooting percentage to a season-low 15 percent from deep.
Four Bulldogs scored in double figures, led by Kenneth Lofton, Jr. who notched his 11th double-double of the season and 20th of his young career with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Over the last three games, he is averaging 22.0 points and 10.3 boards. Amorie Archibald added 15 points in the win over the Owls. The shooting guard currently ranks second in field goal percentage during conference play at 51.3 percent.
In league play, the Bulldogs rank second in scoring offense (76.0) and third in scoring defense (63.6).
North Texas extended its winning streak to six after recording a 63-54 victory over Southern Miss on Thursday in Hattiesburg. With the win, they also improved to a perfect 4-0 in true road games, making them one of only seven teams in the country undefeated on the road.
The Mean Green come to Ruston with one of the best defenses in the country. They rank second in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 56.2 points per game. They have held 11 of their opponents to under 60 points, including their last three.
Three players average double-digit points, led by guard Tylor Perry who despite coming off the bench all season is averaging a team-best 14.3 points per game. He also leads the team in three-point field goal percentage (46.6) and free throw percentage (90.1).
LA Tech leads the all-time series over North Texas, 27-13. Since becoming C-USA opponents, the Bulldogs hold a 9-6 advantage. The two programs are no strangers to playing close games as eight of the last nine meetings have been decided by six points or less.
The Mean Green have won straight in the series, including a 54-48 victory in the C-USA Tournament semifinals last season. They also won the last meeting in Ruston, which came in 2020.
