RUSTON, La. (Interstat) — Louisiana Tech held off Missouri State 72-70 in a Conference USA men’s basketball game Thursday night at Thomas Assembly Center. The Bulldogs avenged a double-overtime loss to the Bears from two weeks prior.

Missouri State led 38-37 at halftime, but Louisiana Tech secured the narrow victory in front of 2,051 fans. Keith Palek led all scorers with 29 points for Missouri State. DJ Dudley paced Louisiana Tech with 27 points. Louisiana Tech’s Melian Martinez anchored the defense with seven blocked shots.

The win improved Louisiana Tech to 16-12 overall. Missouri State fell to 13-15.