WKU Men’s Basketball held off a second-half surge from the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs to win 66-61 Sunday afternoon, improving to 2-1 in conference play.

Redshirt sophomore guard Teagan Moore continues to lead the Hilltoppers, totaling a team-high 19 points and nine rebounds. Senior guard Ryan Myers and senior forward Grant Newell contributed with 13 and 12, respectively.​

Louisiana Tech took a late 61-60 lead before costly fouls from the Bulldogs sent the Hilltoppers to the line. The Hilltoppers relied on their free-throw shooting late, scoring six straight from the line in the closing minute. ​

The fiery offense from Louisiana Tech came to life in the second half after shooting 28% from the floor in the first. The Bulldogs shot 48% in the second half, erasing a 15-point Hilltopper lead to tie the game at 51-51.​

The Hilltopper offense went ice cold in the second half, shooting 22% from the floor, allowing Louisiana Tech to climb back into the game.

Despite the Bulldogs’ superb shooting, they could not break through to take the lead, as the Hilltoppers’ defense showed up when needed, getting crucial stops down the stretch despite being outscored 36-29 in the second half.

The Hilltoppers grabbed the momentum from the jump, opening the game on a 7-0 run, leading to a 12-point halftime lead. WKU’s defense continued to make Louisiana Tech uncomfortable in the first half, holding them to their second-worst shooting half of the season.

The win moved the Hilltoppers to 9-5 (2-1 CUSA) on the season. The Hilltoppers will travel to New Mexico State on Thursday, Jan. 8, to continue conference play.