Washington leads Louisiana to 73-63 win over Texas State

LAFAYETTE, La. -- Bryce Washington scored 19 points while grabbing 10 rebounds to help Louisiana to a 73-63 win over Texas State on Thursday night.

Louisiana (22-4, 12-1) has won 12 of its last 13 games and remains atop the Sun Belt Conference standings, holding a two-game lead over Georgia State, which holds the only conference win over the Ragin' Cajuns, beating them 106-92 last week.

Washington, who recorded his 11th double-double of the season, had 13 points in the first half as the Ragin' Cajuns roared out to a 34-24 halftime advantage and pushed their lead to 52-36 at the 12:51 mark. Texas State rallied to close to 60-55 following Shelby Adams 3-pointer with 4:21 left. Louisiana responded with six unanswered points and made five free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Frank Bartley IV added 18 points, Johnathan Stove had 15 and Marcus Stroman dished out 11 assists for Louisiana, which won its 15th straight game at home, dating back to last season.

Nijal Pearson had 15 points to lead the Bobcats (14-13, 7-7), who have lost five straight. Immanuel King contributed 14 points.