Boxscore

RUSTON - Louisiana Tech head coach Kurt Budke has said many times that sophomore guard Tasha Crain is the heart and soul of the Lady Techster team, especially on the defensive end of the floor.

Thursday night the Kingsland, Ark., native proved it once again, returning from a one game absence while recovering from a concussion suffered in a loss to Tennessee Sunday and sparking the Techsters to a 78-29 win over Southern at the Thomas Assembly Center.

Crain spearheaded the Tech defensive domination of the Jaguars (1-4), recording five steals in 23 minutes of action and holding Southern's Rolanda Monroe to only 4 of 20 shooting and 12 turnovers.

"She's one of the quickest kids in the country," said Southern head coach Sandy Pugh. "I told my players that she is as quick or quicker than Tamicha Jackson. She's not much of a scorer, but what she does defensively and leadership-wise out on the floor is great. She is one great player."

Crain missed Tech's win over Arkansas-Little Rock; the Techsters missed her more. With Crain on the court Thursday, the entire Tech team looked more inspired, forcing 33 Southern turnovers and holding the Jaguars to only 26 percent shooting (13-49) and a season-low 29 points.

"I was very happy to be back," said Crain, who finished with one point, three assists and one block. "It's hard being in uniform and not being able to perform. It's tough. Defense is just part of the game. I try to pressure so we can run like we are capable of doing."

Southern trailed only 24-13 with six minutes remaining in the first half before the Lady Techsters outscored them 11-2 to close out the half with a 35-15 lead. The second half was only worse for Pugh and Co. as Tech outscored them 43-14, holding the Jaguars to 6 of 26 shooting.

"I felt like we had a lot more energy tonight," Budke said. "We still didn't shoot the ball well, but we were trying to do the right thing. Southern also did the right thing to try to stay in the game by walking the ball up the court and using almost all of the 30 second shot clock."

Despite shooting only 41 percent for the game, Tech placed five players in double figures as Erica Smith-Taylor scored 14, Amber Obaze and Trina Frierson added 12 each, Amisha Carter recorded a double double with 11 points and 12 rebounds and Lakiste Barkus hit for 10.

Tech returns to action Sunday at 2 p.m. when it hosts Mississippi State at 2 p.m.