Jan. 19, 2008

Box Score

RUSTON - Louisiana Tech overcame a double digit first half deficit to defeat New Mexico State 57-50 Saturday night at the Thomas Assembly Center, handing the Aggies their first Western Athletic Conference loss of the season.

Tech (8-9, 2-2 WAC) recorded its best defensive effort of the season in limiting New Mexico State (13-4, 3-1 WAC) to only 30 percent shooting, including only 24 percent in a second half that saw the Lady Techsters outscore the Aggies 34-21.

"I thought we did a really good job defensively," Long said. "We worked all week on being a more physical team; on being a more aggressive team. I thought tonight we reaped the benefits of that in a number of areas."

After opening an early 12-8 lead over New Mexico State on a jumper by freshman Adrienne Johnson at the 11:37 mark, Louisiana Tech went cold offensively as the Aggies used a 15-2 run over the next four minutes to grab a 23-14 lead with just under eight minutes to play.

During that stretch, Tech - which won despite hitting only 29 percent (16-55) of its field goals - hit only 1-of-6 field goals while the Aggies heated up hitting 6-of-8 field goals, including a pair of three-pointers.

"There were a couple of times tonight when we played really good defense and they still hit tough shots," Long said. "They showed why they have won 13 games this year. That is a very good basketball team we just beat."

New Mexico State led 28-18 on a free throw by Monique Bribiescas with 2:33 to play in the half before the Lady Techsters used a 5-1 run to close the half and trailed only 29-23.

Tech opened the second half by scoring the first six points to tie the game at 29-29. However, New Mexico State would not go away quietly as the Aggies behind the play of senior forward Sherell Neal grabbed a 43-36 lead on a jumper by Tyshae Walton with 11:34 to play.

The Lady Techsters then held NMSU scoreless for more than five minutes and used an 11-0 run to claim a 47-43 lead on a pair of free throws by Shanavia Dowdell with 6:57 to play.

Tech led 49-47 with 3:12 to play after a Neal layup. With the shot clock running down, senior guard Nastassja Levingston sank a long three-pointer with 2:37 to play to give the Lady Techsters a 52-47 lead.

"That was a huge shot," Long said. "Tub came up big for us there. I thought the difference was we were able to attack the basket with our post players and got to the free throw line. And when we got there, we made them."

Tech hit 24-of-31 free throws including 17-of-19 in the final half.

Neal scored three straight points to pull the Aggies within 52-50 before Tech hit 5-of-6 free throws in the final 35 seconds of the game.

Sneed tied her career-high with 20 points while adding 11 rebounds for her 12th double double of the season while Dowdell added 15 points and 14 rebounds. Tarkeisha Wysinger chipped in with seven points and 10 rebounds.

Neal led the Aggies with 22 points and 12 rebounds.

Tech outrebounded New Mexico State 49-37, including 28-15 in the final 20 minutes of play.