By Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech Associate Athletic Director/Strategic Communications; featured photo by Josh McDaniel
RUSTON — Louisiana Tech snapped its three-game losing streak in a big way, defeating Dallas Christian by a final score of 96-55 on Wednesday night inside the Thomas Assembly Center on Karl Malone Court.
LA Tech (10-5) remained undefeated at home in what was its final non-conference game of the regular season. The Bulldogs shot a season-best 60.3 percent from the field, getting much of their production from the front court – Daniel Batcho had a game-high 22 points, Isaiah Crawford posted 18, and Dravon Mangum scored a season-high 15.
They were all three heavily involved on the defensive end as well as the ‘Dogs notched 13 steals and 11 blocks while holding Dallas Christian (4-11) to 35.6 percent shooting.
Three of those steals and three of those blocks came courtesy of Crawford. He also tallied a team-high seven rebounds, which put the fifth-year senior in a category all on his own in program history becoming the first Bulldog to reach 1,000 points, 500 boards, 200 assists, 100 steals, and 50 blocks.
It was his front court running mate Batcho who got LA Tech off on the right foot versus DCC, scoring 14 of the Bulldogs first 19 points to give the home squad a 19-5 edge.
The Crusaders had their best stretch of basketball right after that, going on a 9-0 run to slice their deficit down to five with 12:42 to go in the first half.
LA Tech responded though by outscoring DCC, 34-9, to end the first stanza. Part of the reason was Mangum who had a late stretch of eight straight points, including a three-pointer and a dunk (plus the foul) as the Bulldogs held a 53-23 halftime lead.
The ‘Dogs stretched out the lead to as much as 42 points, primarily by dominating the paint where they outscored the Crusaders, 54-24, and by getting out in transition with 27 fastbreak points.
Sean Newman Jr. and Jordan Crawford, making his first start of the season, were the floor generals, combining for 15 assists. Newman Jr. also added 13 points as LA Tech’s fourth player with double-digit points.
DCC had one lone player score in double figures, getting 12 points from Joseph Gipson.
QUOTABLES
Head coach Talvin Hester
On the win …
“It is hard to get two halves, especially when the first half is lopsided. We had one lapse in the first half and it was a defensive lapse. I got frustrated with that, but we finished the half great. My job was to keep our guys motivated in the second half, trying to push forward and keep everybody healthy. I saw some good things. The guys that have been in heavy rotation were engaged for the most part. We had some guys out with sickness so we hope to get them back soon in the rotation.”
On Isaiah Crawford making history …
“I don’t know if I have ever been a part of coaching that somebody has been the only person at their University to do something. It means that I am probably coaching a legend here. I am excited to get to do that, celebrate him in this moment. I think he has even more in the tank.”
On the front court of Isaiah Crawford and Daniel Batcho …
“To have those two guys is the ultimate weapon. We are going to lean on them a lot. I think they have been pretty consistent with their efforts, which is all you really want. To have them anchoring you night in and night out is a good thing. They were 16 of 21 from the field tonight. Our work is just now getting started though.”
On Jordan Crawford’s minutes …
“We wanted to put another ball handler on the floor. I challenged him to play good at home. He is better on the road when you look at the numbers. I wanted to build some confidence in him. He has been practicing really well.”
On starting conference on the road …
“We have been tested on the road this season. We have seen Colorado State, New Mexico, Grand Canyon, those are unbelievable teams. We are prepared anybody we come up against. I feel confident in this team.”
On snapping the losing streak …
“It feels good. It gives us some confidence going into conference play. Got us a dub and now we go on the road again. I feel like we have been tested, really since December. I think we are ready and try to do our best starting with Sam Houston.”
On making history …
“Going through my injuries was hard. Now that I have done something nobody else has it is such a surreal moment for me. There have been a lot of great players come through here. It is something special.”
On reflecting on his career …
“I try not to think about it. I just make sure I am doing my job out there on the court, helping my teammates and coaches do anything.”
On going into league play …
“Since I have been, I have been in and out of everything Conference USA. I will be leading these guys, telling them the ins and outs of everything. We have to keep practicing hard, making sure we are doing the details and little things. Then carrying that on to warmups before the games and then during the games.”