JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Interstat) — In a commanding display of offensive efficiency, East Tennessee State overwhelmed Louisiana-Monroe 97-55 in a non-conference men’s basketball game Sunday at the ETSU Athletic Center.

The Buccaneers seized control from the opening tip, building a 54-33 halftime lead and never relenting in front of a crowd of 2,267. The victory improved East Tennessee State’s record to 5-1, while Louisiana-Monroe dropped to 1-6.

East Tennessee State’s offense operated with remarkable precision, shooting 59.1 percent from the field and 45.8 percent from three-point range. The Buccaneers scored 97 points on 70 possessions, an elite offensive rating of 139.1. In stark contrast, the Warhawks struggled offensively, shooting just 33.3 percent overall and 22.2 percent from beyond the arc, managing an offensive rating of 80.1.

The Buccaneers’ attack was a balanced effort. Allen Strothers, a guard from Newport News, Virginia, led the way with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists. Jaylen Smith, from Ocoee, Florida, added 15 points and five assists. The depth was evident as Brian Taylor scored 10 points, Brayden Crump added 10 points and four rebounds, and Maki Johnson and Gabe Sisk each contributed nine points.

Louisiana-Monroe was led by Renars Sondors of Riga, Latvia, who scored 15 points. Lavell Brodnex from Saginaw, Michigan, added nine points, five rebounds and a block.

The game’s trajectory was set early. After a brief 2-2 tie, East Tennessee State embarked on a decisive 16-4 run, capped by a Blake Barkley tip-in layup and a three-pointer from Jaylen Smith, to take an 18-6 lead. The Buccaneers continued to extend their advantage, with a three-pointer from Allen Strothers pushing the lead to 49-33 late in the first half before taking a 21-point lead into the break.

Any hope of a Warhawks comeback was extinguished quickly in the second half as the Buccaneers opened with a 10-2 run, stretching the lead to 64-35. The margin ballooned to as many as 42 points in the final minutes.

East Tennessee State dominated the interior, outscoring Louisiana-Monroe in the paint and out-rebounding them. The Buccaneers also forced 12 turnovers while committing 10 of their own.

The game’s final score of 152 points fell just short of the pregame over/under line of 154. East Tennessee State, which was a 17-point favorite, easily covered the spread.

Louisiana-Monroe looks to rebound Wednesday, Dec. 3, at home against Mississippi Valley State. East Tennessee State returns to action Saturday, Nov. 29, hosting Central Arkansas.