ESTERO, Fla. -- Raheem Appleby had 26 points in just 19 minutes Tuesday night to lead Louisiana Tech over Illinois-Chicago 103-78 in the semifinals of the Gulf Coast Showcase.

Chris Anderson added 21 points and Cordarius Johnson had 18 for the Bulldogs (4-1) which never trailed, led 60-36 at halftime and held the Flames at a comfortable distance throughout the second half.

Pat Birt had 11 points and Jordan Harks had 10 for the Flames (2-4) to lead six different scorers with at least eight points.

UIC shot the ball well -- 9 of 25 from 3-point and 17 for 19 from the free throw line. But they could not slow down the Bulldogs which entered the game averaging 92.2 points per game.

Louisiana Tech moves on to face the St. Bonaventure-Wagner winner for the championship Wednesday. UIC will meet the loser for third place.