LA Tech defense downs Arkansas State, 67-54

RUSTON, La. – Raizel Guinto scored 16 points and Louisiana Tech held Arkansas State scoreless in the second quarter as the Lady Techsters defeated the Red Wolves 67-54 Sunday afternoon at the Thomas Assembly Center.

Tech (8-3) completed non-conference action with its seventh win in eight home games as it prepares to open up Conference USA action Saturday at Southern Miss.

Trailing 21-11 after the first quarter of action, the Lady Techsters clamped down defensively on Arkansas State (3-8) in the second quarter, outscoring the Red Wolves 23-0. It marked the first time since the NCAA changed to quarters in 2015 that LA Tech held an opponent without a point in a quarter.

Guinto scored 11 of her 16 points in the second quarter while the Lady Techsters held Arkansas State to 0-of-13 shooting and forced eight Red Wolves turnovers. Tech led 34-21 at the half.

Arkansas State made a couple of runs in the second half. Tech committed 10 turnovers in the third quarter as ASU closed to within six points on two different occasions. However, Tech managed to maintain its 13-point lead with a 52-39 advantage through three quarters.

The fourth quarter saw ASU make a serious run. The Red Wolves opened the quarter on a 13-2 run as a pair of Jada Ford free throws with 4:12 remaining in the game cut the Tech lead to 54-52.

Tech responded. MeMe Amand, who finished with eight points and a season-high 11 rebounds, made a paint bucket and then Amber Dixon converted on a conventional three-point play on the ensuing possession, starting a 13-2 Tech run that ended the game.

Guinto added six rebounds, four assists and three steals while Dixon scored 12 points and Walker added 10 points and five rebounds.

Tech shot 42 percent (22-53) from the field while holding Arkansas State to just 33 percent (19-58) from the field.

Ford led Arkansas State with 17 points while Jireh Washington added 13 points and Peyton Martin scored 12 points.

Tech improved to 39-3 all-time against Arkansas State.