In a hard-fought game on March 28, the ETSU men’s basketball team came out victorious against Louisiana Tech in the Vegas 16 Tournament.
The Bucs started slow, adjusting to the Louisiana Tech pressure. They soon started to break the pressure, jumping to a quick 20-9 lead. Louisiana Tech soon went into a full-court press to slow down the Bucs’ fast attack.
Louisiana Tech was able to cut into the Bucs’ lead at the six-minute mark, when the score was tied at 26. The Bucs’ turnovers allowed Louisiana Tech to take over the lead at the three minute mark, but they were able to keep to the score to a one-possession game due to an explosive and exciting first half by Ge’Lawn Guyn (Lexington, Ky.).
The Bucs trailed in the first half 41-38 despite holding Louisiana Tech to 38 percent shooting. This was partly due to turnovers; they finished with nine.
At the half, the Bucs shot 44 percent while dominating the ball inside. For Louisiana Tech, Dayon Griffin was able to keep Louisiana Tech ahead, scoring 16 points while shooting four-for-five from three.
“I was really proud of our guys’ effort, except we let them back in the game by being sloppy with turnovers,” said coach Steve Forbes.
To start the second half, both teams struggled the first two minutes of the game before Guyn knocked down a three at the 18 minute mark, tying the game at 41. Unlike the first half, the Bucs were able to control their turnovers, only committing seven turnovers compared to nine in the first half.
Louisiana Tech star player Alex Hamilton was able to get his offense going, scoring 14 of his 23 points in the second half. Griffin continued his hot shooting for Louisiana Tech, scoring 13 of his 29 in the second half. However, for Louisiana Tech, nothing was stopping Guyn, who scored 23 points on five-of-seven shooting from three.
The Bucs were able to control the lead throughout the second half by making big free throws down the stretch. They attempted 19 free throws in the second half.
Guyn was outstanding for the Bucs, finishing with 34 points and 10 rebounds.
“Ge’Lawn just had a monster game for us and probably his best floor game of the year,” Forbes said. “I can’t say enough about how well he played tonight.”
They advanced to the next round, beating Louisiana Tech 88-83.
“As a team, I think there was some rust from the long layoff, but I was really pleased for the most part with the way we played,” Forbes said.
