Fouls, Turnovers Doom Idaho In Loss 72-64 To La. Tech

RUSTON, La. (AP) — Helped by a season high 32-41 night from the free throw line, Louisiana Tech defeated Idaho 72-64 on Saturday night in Ruston.

The win was Tech’s first of the year in the Western Athletic Conference, and it came in spite of foul trouble during much of the second half. Tech (4-18, 1-9 WAC) forced 27 turnovers by Idaho while committing 11 of its own.

Tech led 32-24 at the half, helped in part by 15-of-18 free throw shooting.

In the second half, Idaho (5-17, 2-9 WAC) went on a 7-0 run, and came to within three points early in the half. Tech answered with a 7-0 run of its own, to go up 43-33 with less than 10 minutes to play.

The Bulldogs were in control the rest of the way, shooting 55 percent from the field in the half and hitting 17 free throws to fend off a flurry of Idaho jumpers.

Jonathan “JC” Clark helped lead Tech with 16 points.

Michael Crowell led Idaho with 13 points.