Recap: Louisiana Tech vs. Southern Miss

Ruston, Louisiana (Sports Network) - Kenyon McNealil scored 18 points in 18 minutes off the bench to push the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs to a 65-55 victory over the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in non-conference action at the Thomas Assembly Center.

The Bulldogs (8-2) showed off their depth as nine different players were on the floor for 12 minutes or more. Kenneth Smith was a big contributor on both ends of the floor with five assists and seven steals. Louisiana Tech has won eight of nine games since its season opening loss at Texas A&M.

Michael Craig led the way for the Golden Eagles (6-3) with 21 points, nine rebounds, and four steals. Jonathan Mills added 11 points and eight rebounds for USM, which has now lost three in a row after starting off the season with six-straight wins.

Despite shooting just 25.9 percent from the floor in the opening period, the Bulldogs never trailed in the first half and took a narrow 24-23 lead into the intermission. USM was unable to find success on the offensive end to start either as it converted only 30.8 percent of its field goal attempts before the break.

Mills made a layup in the early stages of the second half to give the Golden Eagles their first lead of the game. Dwayne Davis drilled a three to extend the visitors' advantage to four points before the Bulldogs generated a 7-0 run to jump back in front. Louisiana Tech scored 11 points off of turnovers in the final 20 minutes to help push its lead to a comfortable double-digit margin and stay perfect at home.

Although they lost, the Golden Eagles held a dominant 46-30 advantage in the rebounding battle. USM was unable to overcome its 23 turnovers, which the Bulldogs converted into 18 points.