RUSTON, La. (Interstat) — The Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters used a dominant fourth-quarter surge to pull away from the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Lady Golden Lions, securing a 73-49 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Tuesday afternoon at the Thomas Assembly Center.

A crowd of 4,200 watched as the Lady Techsters evened their season record at 2-2, while the Lady Golden Lions fell to 1-4.

The game was a defensive struggle through three quarters, with Louisiana Tech holding a narrow 44-40 lead heading into the final period. The Lady Techsters exploded for 29 points in the fourth quarter, more than doubling their output from the third, while their defense held Arkansas-Pine Bluff to just nine points to seal the win.

Louisiana Tech’s offense was led by a standout performance from Jianna Morris, a 5-foot-7 guard from Sherwood, Arkansas. Morris poured in a game-high 17 points, including three shots from beyond the arc. She was complemented by Paris Bradley of Carrollton, Texas, who added 15 points, and Alexia Weaver of Louisville, Kentucky, who chipped in 13 points.

The Lady Golden Lions were paced by Jailah Pelly of St. Louis, Missouri, who scored 14 points. Tyra Taylor of West Memphis, Arkansas, contributed 12 points, and Indiya Bowen of Horn Lake, Mississippi, finished with 10 points.

Statistically, the game was a tale of offensive efficiency. Despite both teams having an identical 72 possessions, Louisiana Tech’s offense was significantly more effective, converting their opportunities into a 100.7 offensive rating compared to Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s 67.8. The Lady Techsters shot 43 percent from the field, while the Lady Golden Lions managed just 31 percent.

Louisiana Tech also capitalized on mistakes, scoring 15 points off 17 Arkansas-Pine Bluff turnovers. The Lady Golden Lions managed only eight points off 13 Lady Techster turnovers.

Both teams struggled from three-point range, with Louisiana Tech making 7 of 26 attempts and Arkansas-Pine Bluff connecting on 4 of 17. At the free-throw line, the Lady Golden Lions were efficient, hitting 9 of 11, but the Lady Techsters attempted more, making 14 of 20.

The Lady Techsters held advantages in points in the paint, 34-26, and offensive rebounds, 11-9. Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s defense was active, recording 10 steals and three blocks, led by Pelly and Briontanay Marshall with one block each. Louisiana Tech finished with eight steals and two blocks.

The Lady Golden Lions will look to rebound on the road against South Dakota on Nov. 25. The Lady Techsters return to action at home against Stephen F. Austin on Nov. 23.