RUSTON, La. (Interstat) — Louisiana Tech used a dominant second-half performance to defeat Sam Houston 87-78 in a Conference USA men’s basketball game Saturday at the Thomas Assembly Center. The Bulldogs erased a one-point halftime deficit by scoring 50 points after intermission.

Sam Houston’s Po’Boigh King scored 21 points, all from beyond the arc, making 7 of 13 three-point attempts. Jacobe Coleman added 18 points for the Bearkats. Louisiana Tech countered with interior dominance, outscoring Sam Houston 48-16 in the paint. Kaden Cooper led the Bulldogs with 16 points and 18 rebounds, while AJ Bates scored 21 points and Sir Issac Herron added 18.

Despite making only one three-pointer, Louisiana Tech secured the win by capitalizing on free throws, making 26 of 35, and controlling the offensive glass with 16 rebounds. Attendance was 2,670.