NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — The LSU women’s basketball team used a dominant second-half surge to remain unbeaten, pulling away from Louisiana Tech for an 87-61 victory Saturday in the Compete 4 Cause Classic at a neutral site.

The Tigers, who improved to 10-0, led by just three points after a competitive first quarter but steadily built their advantage with superior defense and transition play. The Lady Techsters, who fell to 5-4, kept pace early behind hot outside shooting but ultimately could not overcome LSU’s depth and pressure.

Louisiana Tech started strong, hitting four of its first five 3-point attempts to take a 14-10 lead midway through the opening period. Guard Paris Bradley and Jianna Morris each connected from deep during the early flurry. LSU responded with a 9-0 run to close the quarter, capped by a Mikaylah Williams layup off a steal, to take a 17-19 lead.

The Tigers began to impose their will in the second quarter. A 10-2 run, fueled by defensive stops and free throws, extended the LSU lead to 33-23. The Lady Techsters committed 10 turnovers in the period, which LSU converted into 11 points. While Bradley hit another three to briefly stem the tide, the Tigers took a 39-30 lead into halftime.

The third quarter proved decisive. LSU opened with a 7-0 spurt, including a 3-pointer from Williams and a layup by Kate Koval, to push the lead to 46-30. Louisiana Tech never got closer than 12 points the rest of the way. The Tigers’ defense was stifling, forcing seven more turnovers in the quarter and blocking three shots, two by Koval. Flau’jae Johnson’s tip-in at the buzzer gave LSU a 61-44 advantage heading to the final period.

LSU’s depth and offensive balance overwhelmed the Lady Techsters in the fourth. The Tigers’ lead ballooned to as many as 28 points as they shot 50% from the field in the quarter and made 10 of 14 free throws. MiLaysia Fulwiley hit two 3-pointers during the final stretch as LSU cruised to the finish.

Williams, a guard from Bossier City, Louisiana, led all scorers with 19 points, adding four assists and three steals. Bradley, a guard from Carrollton, Texas, matched her with 19 points for Louisiana Tech. Koval, the 6-foot-5 center from Ukraine, anchored the LSU defense with 13 points, four blocks and nine rebounds. Johnson finished with 13 points and nine rebounds, while Fulwiley added 10 points off the bench. Jada Richard orchestrated the offense with eight assists.

The statistical disparity told the story of LSU’s comprehensive performance. The Tigers shot 48.3% from the field compared to Louisiana Tech’s 31%. LSU also dominated in assists (13-6), steals (13-6), and points off turnovers (28-9). The Lady Techsters, who entered the game on a two-game winning streak, were led by Morris’ 11 points.

The most important part of the game was LSU’s closing run in the first half and its immediate burst to start the third quarter. Turning a narrow three-point lead after 10 minutes into a 16-point halftime margin, and then extending it to 22 points within four minutes of the second half, effectively broke the game open. This stretch, defined by relentless defensive pressure that generated turnovers and easy transition baskets, showcased the Tigers’ ability to shift gears and overwhelm an opponent.

LSU next hosts Morgan State on Tuesday. Louisiana Tech returns home to face Central Arkansas on Wednesday.