The Florida Atlantic University Owls (8-14, 1-10 in Conference USA) were stifled all game by the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, losing 65-54.

The Bulldogs (19-6, 10-2 in Conference USA) forced the Owls into nine turnovers and three consecutive missed layups, all the while holding Owls to 42 percent shooting in the first half.

Only four FAU players scored in the first half, led by sophomore guard Marquan Botley who scored nine points, and Jackson Trapp who had seven at the end of the first period.

The Owls had a difficult time stopping the Bulldogs, who shot 48 percent in the first half and scored on three consecutive dunks. Guards Alex Hamilton and Kenneth Smith led the way with seven points each for LA Tech.

Eight players managed to score for the Bulldogs, and their bench also provided 10 points.

Sophomore guard Marquan Botley hit two free-throws to end the half, making the score 36-25 with the Owls trailing by 11.

To begin the second half the Bulldogs went on a 7-0 run, bringing the Owl deficit to 16 points. The Owls were able to get the Bulldogs’ lead down to seven points — 55-48 — with 7:23 remaining in the game.

Senior center Justin Raffington picked up his play in the second-half for the Owls scoring six straight points to keep the Owls in the game in the second period.

However, this was not enough as the Owls struggled all game with turnovers coughing it up 16 times and letting LA Tech score 16 points off those turnovers.

Their shooting percentage also dwindled to 39 percent from the field and 29 percent from 3-point range.

This is the Owls sixth consecutive loss in the season. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs lead Conference USA in both conference wins and overall record.

Up next for the Owls is a road game against Southern Mississippi on Feb. 14.