RUSTON, La. (Interstat) — AJ Bates scored 23 points to lead Louisiana Tech to a 65-44 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at the Thomas Assembly Center.

The Bulldogs never trailed, building a 31-19 halftime lead and maintaining a double-digit advantage throughout the second half. DJ Dudley added 19 points for Louisiana Tech, which improved to 6-3.

Dorian Finister scored 14 points for the Ragin’ Cajuns, who shot just 30% from the field and fell to 1-10. Louisiana Tech was more efficient, shooting 44.9% and making 16 of 19 free throws.

An announced crowd of 2,320 watched the game.