Late run lifts Louisiana Tech to win

RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech used an 11-0 run over the final four minutes of the contest to come away with a 62-52 win over Florida International Saturday afternoon at the Thomas Assembly Center.

Louisiana Tech (13-13, 5-10) trailed 52-51 after a pair of free throws by Florida International (5-21, 2-13) with 3:52 to play, but Amber Dixon's layup less than 30 seconds later started an 11-0 game-ending run. Raizel Guinto hit a momentum-changing 3-pointer with 2:11 to play to push the advantage to six and Florida International never recovered.

Florida International missed its final seven field goal attempts of the contest, as Louisiana Tech defeated the Golden Panthers for the second time this season.

“What I was most proud of was when we got behind late, we didn't hang our heads,” said Louisiana Tech head coach Brooke Stoehr. “We stayed composed and made some plays on both ends of the floor. We struggled to score today, but with the game on the line late, we found a way.”

Louisiana Tech lead 15-11 at the end of the first quarter and 35-27 at halftime in a game that saw the Lady Techsters build as much as a 13-point first half lead. Florida International fought to close the deficit to 43-38 heading into the final 10 minutes of the game.

Florida International took a 50-49 lead on a 3-pointer with 5:18 to play, the Golden Panthers first lead since leading 5-3 early in the first quarter.

Dixon led Louisiana Tech with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists while Grayson Bright added 10 points and Anna Larr Roberson added 10 points.

Louisiana Tech returns to action Saturday when it hosts Rice at 2 p.m.