COL BKB: Louisiana Tech 71, Florida St. 66

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 19 (UPI) -- Raheem Appleby poured in 27 points Tuesday and Louisiana Tech pulled away down the stretch to post a 71-66 win over Florida State in a first-round NIT game.

Appleby went 12-of-19 from the field while Alex Hamilton added 16 points and four rebounds for the fifth-seeded Bulldogs (27-6), who broke a three-game losing streak.

Louisiana Tech heated up in the second half, outscoring Florida State 47-38 in the final 20 minutes.

The fourth-seeded Seminoles (18-16) got five 3-pointers from Michael Snaer en route to 24 points, but it wasn't enough to prevent a first-round exit.

Okaro White added 11 points and six boards for FSU.