Ruston, LA (SportsNetwork.com) - Raheem Appleby netted a game-high 22 points to lift the third-seeded Louisiana Tech Bulldogs to an 89-79 decision over the sixth-seeded Central Michigan Chippewas in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament at the Thomas Assembly Center.

Jacobi Boykins added 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the floor for the Bulldogs (26-8), who will take on Texas A&M in the next round. Michale Kyser chipped in 10 points, while Kenneth Smith tallied eight points, eight boards and 13 assists.

Chris Fowler led CMU (23-9) with 21 points and six assists. Braylon Rayson posted 20 points and eight boards, while Rayshawn Simmons netted 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the floor.

Louisiana Tech dominated the opening period en route to a 45-33 halftime lead. The Bulldogs knocked down 7-of-11 tries from 3-point range and assisted 12 of their 18 makes from the field before the break. The Chippewas were limited to a 3-of-11 clip from beyond the arc in the first half.

CMU improved offensively after the intermission to shoot 47.5 percent from the floor. The Bulldogs converted 10-of-14 shots at the free-throw line in the second stanza.

Louisiana Tech's bench outscored CMU's reserves, 43-10.