EL PASO, Texas (Interstat) — Louisiana Tech built a commanding first-half lead and held off UTEP for a 69-59 victory in a Conference USA men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Don Haskins Center.

The Bulldogs led 36-27 at halftime after shooting 45.3% from the floor and never saw their advantage dip below eight points in the second half. DJ Dudley led Louisiana Tech with 20 points. UTEP’s Elijah Jones scored a game-high 25 points in the loss.

Louisiana Tech (12-8) dominated inside with a 30-14 edge in paint points and a 13-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. UTEP (7-14) struggled offensively, shooting just 31.5% from the field. An announced crowd of 3,335 watched the Miners fall despite converting 17 of 19 free throws.