Louisiana Tech (7-1) raced to a 12-2 lead and didn't let NSU any closer than six points afterward, at 17-11 seven minutes into the contest. The Bulldogs scored the next seven points and NSU had a double-digit deficit for all but 17 seconds the rest of the way.

It was 52-30 at halftime and NSU  got no closer than 19 afterward.

Olu Ashaolu scored a career-best 22 points and added a game-high 12 rebounds for the Bulldogs, who also picked up 20 points from Jamel Guyton. Louisiana Tech shot 53 percent from the field, with Gibson draining 9 of 12 shots and Ashaolu hitting 10 of 15. The Bulldogs sank 11 of 20 from 3-point range.

Northwestern (3-3) got 20 points by senior guard Damon Jones and 10 points and 10 rebounds by junior forward Will Pratt.

"I am at a loss for words as to explain the way we played tonight," said Demons' coach Mike McConathy. "We just were not there mentally and physically. We've  been a lot better than that in our first five games and we're going to be a lot better going forward.

"Credit to Tech. They have a very fine team and they played very, very well tonight. They took it to us from the opening tip and my hat's off to them," said McConathy.

The Demons  played without their leading scorer, Devon Baker.  The junior guard suffered a bruised hamstring Monday night early in an 83-80 win at Centenary and played only five minutes. McConathy said he probably will not play Tuesday night when NSU plays host to LSU-Shreveport in a 7 p.m.  game at Prather Coliseum, but hopefully could resume action next Saturday night at LSU.