Box Score

ESTERO, Fla. – Eastern Kentucky University took a 10-point lead over No. 5 Mid-Major ranked Louisiana Tech, but the Bulldogs staged a comeback for a 78-69 win on Wednesday at the Gulf Coast Showcase at Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida.
 
The Colonels (4-3) went in front by eight on seven occasions before finally stretching the margin to double figures for the first time.  Two free throws and a baseline floater from Devontae Blanton capped a 13-2 run early in the second half and put EKU on top 48-38, with 16:51 to left in the game.
 
However, the Bulldogs (7-0) didn't fold and instead answered with an 18-5 run to change the trajectory of the game.  Devin Ree got Tech within five, 48-43, on a pullup jumper.  Will Allen tied it at 51-51 on a layup at the 10:45 mark.  Amaree Abram capped the big run with a layup for a 56-53 Louisiana Tech lead with 9:44 to play.
 
Jackson Holt's jumper in the paint got the Colonels within two, 58-56, but that is as close as they would get.  The Bulldogs scored six straight to build an 8-point cushion of their own.
 
George Kimble III finished with a game-best 21 points for EKU.  He hit 7-of-18 from the field and 5-of-11 from behind the arc.  Blanton had 17 points and five assists.
 
Daniel Batcho led Tech with 19 points to go along with eight rebounds and two blocks.  He was 8-of-10 from the field but just 3-for-7 at the free throw line.
 
Louisiana Tech shot 54 percent from the field for the game and out-rebounded the Colonels 41-28.  The Bulldogs had a 50-12 advantage in points in the paint.  EKU turned the ball over a season-low four times.
 
The Colonels took five 8-point leads in the first half but could never stretch the margin to double figures.  Mayar Wol's 3-pointer put EKU ahead 24-16.  A long jumper from Kimble made it 30-22.  After Yvens Paul's dunk gave EKU it's final 8-point advantage, 32-24, the Bulldogs ended the first half on a 10-3 run.  Ree closed the gap to one, 35-34, for Louisiana Tech with a 3-pointer to close the opening period.
 
EKU will play at Troy on Sunday.  Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.