Smith and George combine for 33 points as Fresno State holds on over Louisiana Tech 66-59

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Fresno State holds on over Louisiana Tech 66-59

FRESNO, Calif. — Greg Smith scored 17 points and Paul George had 16 points and seven rebounds as Fresno State ended its conference play by defeating Louisiana Tech 66-59 on Thursday night.

Mike Ladd added 11 points for Fresno State (15-17, 7-9 Western Athletic), which overcame a 10-point deficit early in the second half.

Olu Ashaolu scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Louisiana Tech (22-8, 9-6) and Magnum Rolle added 15 points.

Jamel Guyton’s 3-pointer with 1:02 remaining brought Louisiana Tech to within 61-59. Brandon Sperling and Smith combined to hit 5 of 6 free throws in the final 54 seconds and seal the victory for Fresno State.

Louisiana Tech concludes its conference play Saturday at Nevada in a game that will decide third place. Fresno State, meanwhile, moved a half-game ahead of San Jose State in the battle for fifth.