HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Louisiana Tech's solid start unraveled after halftime as extended scoring runs and free-throw disparity fueled an 83-67 setback to Sam Houston on Saturday night inside Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
 
It was nip-and-tuck through the first 20 minutes, a stanza that included five ties and four lead changes which led to a 34-32 edge for Sam Houston (15-7, 7-4 CUSA).  However, the second half was a different story as LA Tech (12-9, 5-5 CUSA) was outscored, 49-35.
 
The contest was still tight five minutes into the second stanza as a Scooter Williams jumper in the paint got the deficit back to two at 44-42.  The Bearkats proceeded to go on a 14-4 run to build their lead to 12 with 10:08 to play.
 
Sam Houston did not even attempt a field goal in the next five minutes of play but continued to maintain its lead by getting to the foul line.  Fifteen of their final 25 points came from the charity stripe, ultimately attempting 36 total for the game (most by a LA Tech opponent since 2022) while making 24.
 
On the flipside, the Bulldogs were only able to get to the free throw line 19 times, making 12. 
 
DJ Dudley was the top scorer in the game, scoring 21 points.  Three other Bulldogs joined him in double figures – Scooter Williams (17), AJ Bates (10), and Melian Martinez (10).
 
NOTABLES

• LA Tech now leads the all-time series over Sam Houston, 7-5.
• The 36 free throw attempts by Sam Houston were the most by a LA Tech opponent since Dec. 17, 2022 (UTEP, 37).
• The Bulldogs pulled down 15 offensive rebounds, marking the ninth time this season they have had 15+ in a single game.  LA Tech has registered double-digit offensive boards in 11 of the last 13 contests (four straight).
• LA Tech was whistled for 20 fouls, tied for the second most this season.
• DJ Dudley scored a game-high 21 points.  The junior has now scored 20+ points in four consecutive games, the first Bulldog to do so since Cobe Williams (Jan. 14, 2023 – Jan. 26, 2023).  He has posted 17+ points in seven straight contests.
• Scooter Williams tallied 17 points, having now scored double-digit points in six of the team's 10 conference games. 
• Melian Martinez posted double-digit points for just the second time this season, scoring 10.  He also registered a season-high four blocks.  The center has recorded at least three rejections in five of the last eight games.
• AJ Bates dished out a team-high six assists, marking the 12th time this season he has had at least five dimes in a single game.
• Avery Thomas II led the Bulldogs in rebounding for the ninth time, registering eight boards.  He has been the team leader in rebounding in eight of the last 11 games.
• DJ Dudley connected for two three-pointers, extending his streak of games with at least one made triple to 16.  That streak is tied for the fourth longest in the last 25 years.

UP NEXT
LA Tech returns home to face New Mexico State on Wednesday, Feb. 4 in the annual Red Out game.  Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN+.
 
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