Lofton, Jr. earns hat trick with C-USA Freshman of the Week honor

RUSTON – Louisiana Tech’s Kenneth Lofton, Jr. made it a hat trick on Monday, earning his third straight Conference USA Freshman of the Week honor in an announcement made by the league office.

The freshman forward became the seventh player in C-USA history to be awarded this honor for three consecutive weeks. It also brought his season total to six, the fifth most by a freshman since LA Tech joined the league in 2013-14.

Lofton, Jr. put up big numbers again in week 11, helping the Bulldogs get a road split at defending C-USA champion North Texas. For the two games, he averaged 11.5 points and 12.0 rebounds.

In game one, he notched his fifth double-double of the season with 14 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. LA Tech ended up handing North Texas its first home loss of the season and just its second home loss in the last 20 games in the Super Pit.

Just 16 hours later, the two teams squared off again and Lofton, Jr. was one point shy of another double-double, registering nine points and a career-high 14 boards. He also tied his career-high with three steals. Despite the loss, the ‘Dogs limited the Mean Green to their worst shooting performance during conference play.

After playing five of their last six games on the road, Lofton, Jr. and the Bulldogs will be at home for four of their final six conference games. First up this weekend is a two-game series against West Division leader UAB.

Game No. 1 is set for Friday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. inside the Thomas Assembly Center on Karl Malone Court.

For all the latest in Bulldog Basketball, follow them on Twitter (@LATechHoops), Instagram (@LATechHoops) and Facebook (LATechMBB).