By Landon Smith, Louisiana Tech Associate Director for Strategic Communications
RUSTON — The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team won their season opener by a score of 85-75 over Kent State on Monday evening at the Thomas Assembly Center.
The word of the night for the Bulldogs was efficiency. They took a quick six point lead within two minutes after back-to-back threes from Braylon Wenger and Jay Tyler, and never let the Golden Flashes gain enough momentum to take a lead.
Through the first half, LA Tech shot 57.1% from the field (16-28), while holding Kent State to just 35.1% (13-37). No single player took control in the half, but everyone contributed. Jaylen Fenner and Jay Tylereach shot 3-5 during the half, with two of Tyler’s shots being from beyond the arc. Wenger and Kyran Tiley combined to shoot 4-8.
The Bulldogs continued the pressure and consistency in the second half. Most notable, though, was Braylon Wenger, who scored 21 points in the half. Wenger took control of the offense, making three shots from three, three around the rim, and gained six points from the foul line. Jaylen Fenner complemented Wenger’s night with seven points in the half, all from free throws. Ethan Blackmon added four points in the half, giving him a double double (13 pts, 10 rebounds). In total, the Bulldogs were 46.2% from the field in the second half, shooting 12-26. For the night, they shot 28-54, 51.9%.
Defensively, the Bulldogs held the Golden Flashes to 36.5%, shooting 27-74. 34 of Kent State’s points were in the paint, and 25 of them were second chance points. 14 points came from the foul line.
Next up, the Bulldogs welcome Arkansas-Monticello to the Thomas Assembly Center on Thursday, Nov. 5. Tip off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.
NOTABLES
- With the victory, the Bulldogs have now won 20 straight home openers.
- This win was the first Bulldog victory over a MAC team since Nov. 13, 2024, when they beat UMass 76-66.
- The Bulldogs are now 3-0 all-time against the Golden Flashes.
- LA Tech won despite shooting 20 less shots, and only making one more shot (28-27).
- The largest lead for the Bulldogs was 19.
- Jay Tyler had seven assists.
- Ethan Blackmon had a double-double. The last time a Bulldog had a double-double was Avery Thomas II on March 14, 2026, against Kennesaw State.
- The Bulldogs had four players in double figures.
- 19 of the 28 Bulldog makes were assisted.
QUOTABLES
Head Coach Talvin Hester
On the win…
“I feel great, we executed on a lot of things that we practiced on. Our guards were very physical, gave Kent State a lot of trouble scoring the ball. Our 1st shot defense was amazing.”
On Braylon Wenger and Jay Tyler
“Shooting is what he does. We recruited him to make shots. He was fantastic on that end. I was really proud of his defense tonight, in particular. As for Jay (Tyler), a lot of guys come in and in their mind their job is to score. I have been trying to get him to distribute, which he did great with tonight. Once they took that away from him, he hit some big shots.”