Al Green shines as Louisiana Tech edges Southern Illinois in overtime

In a thrilling first-round matchup at the Gulf Coast Showcase held in Estero, Florida, Louisiana Tech overcame Southern Illinois with a score of 85-79 in overtime on Monday night. Al Green led the Bulldogs with 19 points, demonstrating a strong performance that kept Louisiana Tech undefeated in their early season. The game featured a notable contribution from Sean Newman Jr., who added key points during overtime. Kaden Cooper significantly impacted the game, scoring 18 points and securing 12 rebounds while Amaree Abram also contributed 18 points, with six steals to his name. Southern Illinois struggled despite Kennard Davis's double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, unable to maintain their lead after a slower second half. Louisiana Tech entered halftime trailing 31-27, a testament to the competitive nature of the match. In the second half, Abram's scoring surge helped the Bulldogs regain control, leading to their close victory. Both teams showed impressive defensive capabilities, highlighted by Louisiana Tech’s successful steal attempts, which included impressive efforts from Green and Abram. As part of the Gulf Coast Showcase's six-team round-robin format, both teams are set to play again on Tuesday against different opponents, with Louisiana Tech facing Richmond and Southern Illinois competing against Eastern Kentucky. This game not only marked a key early-season victory for Louisiana Tech but also showcased the burgeoning talent of their roster. With significant contributions from multiple players, the Bulldogs demonstrated that they can rely on a balanced attack. Southern Illinois, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly to improve their record after a hard-fought yet disappointing performance. Both teams look forward to their next matchups, aiming to continue their seasons and build momentum. The Gulf Coast Showcase presents an opportunity for teams to test their skills early in the season. For Louisiana Tech, maintaining an unbeaten streak will be crucial as they build towards their larger season objectives, while Southern Illinois seeks to harness the lessons from this game for their upcoming encounters.