JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) -- Louisiana Tech is paying for its well-deserved reputation as one of the nation's top teams.

Betty Lennox scored 26 points on 11-for-23 shooting as the No. 4 Lady Techsters pulled away in the second half to beat pesky Arkansas State 82-69 on Sunday.

"It didn't surprise me at all that they came out with a game plan and played well the first part of the game," Louisiana Tech coach Leon Barmore said.

"Anytime we walk into a gym, it's just out of respect for us, people are going to play better, they're going to play one of their better games."

Catrina Frierson added 12 points for the Lady Techsters (22-2, 12-0 Sun Belt), who led by just one point midway through the second half. Cheryl Ford had 10 rebounds and Lennox added nine.

Julie Hagood scored 20 points for the Lady Indians (14-9, 5-7), Tanisha Johnson had 19, Keeshia Evans 12 and Natalie Goodall 10.

Arkansas State quickly opened a nine-point lead, but Lady Techsters went ahead for good on Lennox's layup with 12:03 left in the first half. Louisiana Tech was up 38-33 at halftime.

"They get to everything so quickly. A lot of times you look out there, it looks like we're in pretty good position, and the next thing you know they're in front of us getting the rebound," Arkansas State coach Brian Boyer said.

"You've really, really got to make an emphasis of putting bodies on Louisiana Tech, or their quickness will just get around you."