GAME NOTES: The first-ever meeting between the Blue Hose of Presbyterian and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs is on tap for Sunday at the Thomas Assembly Center as part sub regional action in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.

The host Bulldogs have gotten off to a strong start in 2014-15 with three wins in four tries. Since losing to Temple in the first round of this event almost a week ago, Louisiana Tech has bounced back to wins over Morehead State (73-64) and American (63-44).

As for the Blue Hose, members of the Big South Conference, they've won just once in four tries in the early going and that victory came at home versus Piedmont College (82-72). More recently the program was beaten down by American (63-38) and thenMorehead State (69-49) in this event.

Presbyterian made just nine field goals in both the first and second halves on Saturday night versus Morehead State, finishing with more turnovers (24) than conversions from the floor. Jordan Downing was the lone double-digit scorer for the program with 13 points on a mere 4-of-15 shooting from the field, although he was 4-of-8 behind the 3-point line. Oddly enough, he was also first on the glass with 10 rebounds as well.

The leading scorer in the last two outings for the Hose, Downing is responsible for a team-best 14.3 ppg but has connected on only 6-of-22 (.273) on the perimeter and 5-of-11 (.455) at the free-throw line. DeSean Murray is listed as the only other double-digit scorer with his 13.0 ppg, but he has appeared in just two games and is currently listed as being out for an undisclosed reason.

Presbyterian is posting only 53.2 ppg and is being outscored by a massive 26.0 ppg over four contests.

Raheem Appleby stepped up and took charge for the Bulldogs in their Saturday outing versus American, scoring a game-high 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the floor. Also scoring in double figures for the hosts were Erik McCree and Michale Kyser with 13 and 12 points, respectively, the latter also pulling down seven rebounds to pace his squad.

Defensively, the Bulldogs limited American to just 34.0 percent shooting from the floor and 4-of-16 behind the 3-point line.

Through four games, Appleby is at the top of the scoring list for Louisiana Tech with his 17.5 ppg, followed by McCree and Alex Hamilton with 14.8 and 11.0 ppg, respectively. A bit more reserved when it comes to seeking his own scoring opportunities, Kenneth Smith (8.0 ppg) is not only one of the better rebounders for the Bulldogs with 5.3 rpg, he easily paces the program with 6.5 apg as well.

Needless to say, in being blown out of the water more often than not, the Blue Hose will again be at a huge disadvantage when they take the floor against host Louisiana Tech in front of an unfavorable crowd.