Box Score
By BRANDON LaGARDE
GSU Sports Media
 
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs spoiled the Grambling State Tigers home opener 86-67. La. Tech shot the light outs from behind the arch in the first half, drilling 6 of 13 3-pointers. Tech had three players in double digits with 13 points -- Erik Mccree, Alex Hamilton and Derric Jean. 
La. Tech (3-0) smothered GSU early, and the Tigers (1-4) committed 10 first half turnovers, finished with 17 total, shooting 31.6 percent from the field in the first half.  The Bulldogs started fast, racing out to an early 17-5 lead and never relinquished it. Tech's biggest lead of the game was 33.
A bright spot for the Tigers was freshman guard Nigel Ribiero, the game's leading GSU scorer with 28 points. Ribiero proved to be an instant spark for the Tigers with his scrappy play. He didn't hesitate on either end of the floor, attacking the Bulldogs off the dribble and forcing his way to the basket and the free throw line. He was 8-for-12 from the free throw line, and he shot 8-for-14 from the field.
Ribiero wasn't afraid to defend despite being dunked on in the first half. He revved a high defensive motor, attacking the Bulldogs off the dribble and pulling up and shooting in the strength of the Bulldogs defense. Ribiero knocked down four 3-pointers.  
The Grambling State offense settled down when Mark Gray (12 points) scored a tough lay-up in traffic, then on the next possession he converted 1-of-2 free throws. Ugur Hortmon got in the mix backing a defender down for a 3-point play. Ribiero then drove into the paint for a lay- up to cut the Bulldogs led to 25-15. La. Tech closed the first half out on a 11-1 run leading 36-17.
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