Key Performers:
- Louisiana Tech (12-4, 1-2 Conference USA):
- Al Green: 21 points off the bench, shooting 7-of-9 from the field, including 5-of-7 from 3-point range.
- Kaden Cooper: 19 points, 9-of-11 shooting, 8 rebounds.
- Daniel Batcho: 16 points, 7-of-8 shooting, 2-of-5 from the free-throw line.
- Florida International (7-9, 1-2 Conference USA):
- Jayden Brewer: 15 points.
- Jonathan Aybar: 15 points.
- Travis Gray: 11 points.
Game Highlights:
Louisiana Tech dominated Florida International from start to finish, cruising to an 81-64 victory. The Bulldogs held a commanding 50-27 lead at halftime, fueled by a strong performance from Al Green, who scored 18 of his 21 points before the break.
Green was exceptional from beyond the arc, hitting 5-of-7 three-pointers, while Kaden Cooper contributed 19 points and 8 rebounds. Daniel Batcho added 16 points, including a team-high 8 in the second half, to maintain Louisiana Tech’s control.
Florida International struggled throughout the game, with Jayden Brewer and Jonathan Aybar leading the Panthers with 15 points each. Despite a valiant effort from their key players, the Panthers could not overcome the Bulldogs’ hot shooting and defensive pressure.
Key Takeaways:
- Louisiana Tech: The Bulldogs’ balanced scoring, particularly from Green, Cooper, and Batcho, led them to a comfortable victory. They dominated the first half and never allowed Florida International to mount a significant comeback.
- Florida International: The Panthers couldn’t find enough offensive rhythm to challenge Louisiana Tech, and they were outshot and outplayed throughout the game. Their defensive struggles allowed the Bulldogs to build an insurmountable lead early.
Key Moment:
- Green’s 18 first-half points helped Louisiana Tech build a dominant halftime lead, effectively putting the game out of reach for Florida International.
Key Stat:
- Louisiana Tech shot 57% from the floor (32-of-56), including 50% from three (9-of-18), while Florida International struggled with their shooting, finishing the game at just 41%.
What’s Next:
- Louisiana Tech: The Bulldogs host Liberty University on Saturday 1-11-2025
- Florida International: The Panthers travel to play Sam Houston on Saturday 1-11-2025
