Louisiana Tech opens C-USA with 87-57 win over Southern Miss

Jan 2, 2016, 09:10 pm

RUSTON, La. -- Erik McCree scored 23 of his career-high 30 in the first half and Louisiana Tech rolled to a 87-57 win over Southern Mississippi on Saturday in the Conference USA opener that extended the nation's second-longest home winning streak to 39.

McCree hit 10 of 19 shots, including 4-of-7 3-pointers, and 6 of 8 free throws. He also grabbed 10 rebounds and had three assists.

Alex Hamilton made all 12 of his free throws for 14 points but the Bulldogs' leading scorer at 18 points was just 1 of 9 from the field. He also had nine assists, eight rebounds and four steals. Louisiana Tech had 19 assists on 25 baskets, made 10 3-pointers and went 27 of 33 from the foul line.

Three other players scored in double figures for the Bulldogs (12-2), who turned 19 Southern Mississippi turnovers into 35 points.

Kourtlin Jackson and Keljin Blevins had 14 each for the Golden Eagles (3-9).