NIT

LOUISIANA TECH 79, GEORGIA 71

ATHENS, Ga. - Alex Hamilton scored 20 points and Louisiana Tech led by 26 points in the first half before holding off a late Georgia comeback for a 79-71 victory in the second round of the NIT.

Louisiana Tech used pressure defense - full-court and half-court - to cause turnovers that helped create a flurry of transition baskets and three-pointers. Georgia never led.

Louisiana Tech (29-7) made seven of its first eight three-point attempts while taking a 39-13 lead. The key was 10 first-half steals. Georgia’s 13 firsthalf turnovers led to 16 points for thevisiting Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs led 46-27 at halftime.

Georgia (20-14) regained its offensive composure in the second half, when Louisiana Tech managed only one point off six turnovers.

Georgia cut the lead to 72-66 with 1:08 remaining.

Georgia’s J.J. Frazier, who had 15 points, made a three-pointer to cut the lead to 75-71.

Louisiana Tech will play the winner of Monday’s Georgetown-Florida State game in the quarterfinals.

Chris Anderson scored 18 points, Cordarius Johnson added 16 and Kenyon McNeail (Conway) had 14 for Louisiana Tech.

At a glance SECOND ROUND FRIDAY’S GAME Belmont 82, Robert Morris 71 SATURDAY’S GAME Louisiana Tech 79, Georgia 71 TODAY’S GAMES All times Central Illinois (20-14) at Clemson (21-12), 10 a.m. St. Mary’s (23-11)

at Minnesota (21-13), 2 p.m.

S. Miss (28-6) at Missouri (23-11), 4 p.m. MONDAY’S GAMES Georgetown (18-14)

at Florida State (20-13), 6 p.m.

LSU (20-13) at SMU (24-9), 8 p.m.

Arkansas (22-11) at Cal (20-13), 10 p.m.

Sports, Pages 27 on 03/23/2014

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