Turnovers, missed free throws doom Dogs in home loss

In a game that featured eight ties and 14 lead changes, Louisiana Tech’s miscues on the offensive end was too much to overcome in the waning minutes as they fell, 63-60, to UTEP on Thursday night inside the Thomas Assembly Center on Karl Malone Court.

It was an off night for Tech (18-7, 9-4 C-USA) in its home building, where they have lost three of their last four games.

Tech committed 16 turnovers, made just five three-pointers and missed 14 free throws.

“It was a disappointing loss for us tonight. Give UTEP a lot of credit,” Tech head coach Eric Konkol said. “All in all, our team did not execute the way we needed to, from taking care of the basketball to leaving a lot of points at the free throw line. Those were the differences in the game.”

Despite it all, the Bulldogs still had a chance to grind out a victory. Kenneth Lofton, Jr. helped spark things with a two-handed slam and a made layup despite the foul, giving Tech a 50-47 advantage with five minutes to play.

The team extended their lead slightly with a pair of made free throws by Amorie Archibald to go up four at 53-49 with three minutes left. However, UTEP (15-10, 8-5 C-USA) responded with a 9-0 run – five straight from Souley Boum – to build a 5-point advantage (largest of the game) with 30 seconds to go.

Williams made seven straight points, including a desperation banked-in three, to give the Bulldogs a chance down three, but Keaston Willis’ attempt at a three to force overtime came up just short.

Tech shot a seasonlow 33.9% from the field (19-of-56). They did get to the foul line 31 times (second most this season), but were only able to cash in on 17 of those. Williams finished with a teamhigh 19 points while Lofton posted his 15th double-double of the season with 12 points and 16 rebounds.

The Miners sank only four threes and made just 13 free throws, but they got just enough points elsewhere, going 23-of-58 from the field for 39.7%. Boum finished with a game-high 28 points to go along with 12 boards.

NOTABLES

• Tech still leads the all-time series versus UTEP, 17-13. The Bulldogs had won six straight in Ruston over the Miners prior to tonight.

• Tech shot a seasonlow 33.9% from the field and were limited to its fewest points at home this season with just 60.

• Lofton notched his 15th double of the season and the 24th of his career with 12 points and 16 rebounds. It was the fourth time this season he has pulled down 15-plus boards.

• Amorie Archibald moved up to 15th on the all-time career scoring list, passing Antonio Meeking (1999-03). He now has 1,545 for his career.

NEXT

Louisiana Tech was back at home Saturday against UTSA and will hit the road Thursdayfor a conference matchup with Rice in Houston.