Louisiana Tech bounces back, tops Rice 58-45

HOUSTON (AP) Erik McCree and Alex Hamilton both scored 13 points as Louisiana Tech rebounded from its first Conference USA loss to top Rice 58-45 on Saturday night.

LA Tech tried to overcome a 21-point halftime deficit in a 73-66 loss to Texas State Thursday and is now 14-3 over the past three seasons after suffering a loss.

Hamilton knocked down a 3-pointer with 9:19 left in the first half to give the Bulldogs a 20-17 lead they never relinquished.

Raheem Appleby struggled from the field, converting 4 of 17 shots from the field, but was 2 of 5 from beyond the arc and finished with 10 points for LA Tech (15-5, 6-1). McCree pulled down eight rebounds and Kenneth Smith dished off nine assists.

Seth Gearhart scored 16 points, including 9 of 11 attempts from the free throw line to lead Rice (6-12, 3-4). Marcus Jackson added 12 points.