RUSTON - Kurt Budke felt his Louisiana Tech team was more than tested during its 61-55 win over TTT Riga in the first exhibition contest of the season on Nov. 8.

On Thursday night at the Thomas Assembly Center, the 22nd ranked Lady Techsters could face an even tougher challenge as the LaToya Thomas-led Houston Jaguars come to town for a 6:30 p.m. tipoff in the final exhibition game of the year.

Thomas, the former four-time Kodak All-American at Mississippi State and current member of the WNBA's San Antonio Silver Stars, scored 19 points Tuesday night to lead the Jaguars in a 74-63 loss at No. 3 Connecticut.

"Women's basketball fans in this area are familiar with LaToya (Thomas)," said Tech head coach Kurt Budke. "She was one of the greatest college players to ever play. Houston is the kind of team that can give us the type of game we need heading into our season opener. They played Connecticut down to the wire two nights ago on Connecticut's home floor. That's not easy to do."

The Lady Techsters will welcome back one of their own as sophomore guard Shan Moore is expected to return after missing the first exhibition game while recovering from preseason surgery.

Moore, who is expected to start at the third guard position when the Lady Techsters open the regular season at Mississippi Nov. 24, averaged 3.9 points and 2.5 rebounds per game last year while playing only 12 minutes a game.

"It's been great to have Shan back out on the practice floor," Budke said. "She has brought another energy level to practice and is a player that can make a big impact for us this year. She's still getting back into shape, and I'm excited to see what she can do."

Budke feels confident in his three starting guards - Moore, Tasha Crain and Lakiste Barkus - and is focused more on the progress of his inexperienced post players.

Sophomore Tamika Kursh led that group with 10 points and five rebounds in the win over TTT Riga while Ty Moore added four points and nine rebounds and Margaret DeCiman chipped in with nine points and eight boards.

The Lady Techsters will continue to be without the services of guards Erica Taylor (pregnancy) and Tosha Christmas (illness).

There will not be any radio for the contest but fans can follow the action via the live stats link on the official website of Louisiana Tech Athletics, www.latechsports.com.