Preview: Louisiana Tech at Florida International WESTCHESTER, Fla. (Interstat) — Conference USA rivals Louisiana Tech and Florida International meet Saturday at Ocean Bank Convocation Center, each looking to build momentum for the league tournament. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (13-10) visit the Florida International Golden Panthers (11-12) in a Valentine’s Day matchup tipping off at 7 p.m. EST. Louisiana Tech enters following an 87-78 home victory over Sam Houston on Feb. 7. The Bulldogs are led by forward Kaden Cooper, who dominated in that win with 16 points and a remarkable 18 rebounds. For the season, Cooper averages a double-double and is a primary focus for the Bulldogs’ interior game. Florida International seeks to rebound after a 70-80 road loss at Western Kentucky on Feb. 7. The Golden Panthers’ offense flows through guard Zawdie Jackson, who scored 17 points in that contest. Jackson has been a consistent scorer, reaching double figures in four of his last six games, including a 13-point effort in an overtime win at Middle Tennessee on Feb. 4. The Bulldogs have shown resilience in close games, with a 59-58 home win over Middle Tennessee and a 70-68 overtime victory against Delaware last month. However, road consistency has been an issue, including a 66-61 loss at Western Kentucky in early January. Florida International has struggled at home recently, dropping its last two at Ocean Bank Convocation Center. Their conference schedule has been a rollercoaster, featuring the overtime road win at Middle Tennessee but also a home loss to Jacksonville State on Jan. 28. This game is the first of a regular-season series home-and-home, with the rematch scheduled in Ruston, Louisiana, on Feb. 28. In the overall conference standings, every game is critical for seeding. Louisiana Tech aims to solidify a position above .500, while Florida International looks to climb back to an even record. The matchup pits Louisiana Tech’s inside presence, led by Cooper and Avery Thomas (15 points, 11 rebounds vs. Sam Houston), against a Florida International backcourt spearheaded by Jackson. Bulldogs guard AJ Bates, who had 21 points and 6 assists last game, provides an additional perimeter threat. Following this game, Louisiana Tech hosts Jacksonville State on Feb. 18. Florida International travels to face Liberty on Feb. 19.