Feb. 29, 2008
RUSTON - Saturday night's Western Athletic Conference contest between Louisiana Tech and Nevada could have a significant barring on the Lady Techsters opponent in the first round of the league tournament in March.
Tip-off for Saturday's game is set for 7 p.m. at the Thomas Assembly Center.
With a win, Tech (13-13, 7-6 WAC) would pull itself within one-half game of the Wolf Pack in the league standings as Nevada (18-9, 9-5) currently sits in fourth place ahead of the Lady Techsters.
A win by Tech coupled with a win by New Mexico State over Fresno State Saturday would almost solidify that the Lady Techsters and Wolf Pack would meet in the first round of the WAC Tournament March 12.
A loss by Tech leaves numerous scenarios still in play, including possibly playing New Mexico State in the first round on their home floor for the second straight year.
Despite the significance Saturday's game could play, Tech head coach Chris Long said his team isn't looking towards the WAC Tournament, instead just focusing on the job at hand.
"Nevada is very aggressive defensively," Long said. "A lot of their offense is started with their defense by forcing turnovers. They rank among the nation's top teams in forcing turnovers. We are definitely going to have to take care of the basketball."
The Wolf Pack, who defeated Tech 74-70 in Reno on Jan. 24, are led by junior point guard Dellena Criner, who averages 16.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.3 steals per game.
As a team, Nevada is averaging 68.7 points and shooting 41 percent from the field, while also ranking among the WAC leaders in three-pointers with 120.
"Nevada's guards are all solid and Criner is very special," Long said. "In order for us to win this game, we will have to take care of the basketball and do another great job defensively. I'm looking forward to the match-up."
The Lady Techsters have won two straight games after its 62-47 win over Utah State Thursday and looks to build momentum heading into the stretch run of the regular season.
Jo Sneed continues to lead Tech offensively averaging 16.0 points and 10.2 rebounds while Shanavia Dowdell (11.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg), Tarkeisha Wysinger (9.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and Adrienne Johnson (7.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg) are providing support.
Tech leads the all-time series against Nevada 13-2 although the Wolf Pack upset the Lady Techsters 55-54 in Ruston last year.
What: Nevada (18-9, 9-5 WAC) at Louisiana Tech (13-13, 7-6 WAC) When: 7 p.m. Saturday Where: Thomas Assembly Center in Ruston Radio: ESPN 97.7 FM Internet Audio: www.espn977.com Internet Video: www.latechtv.com
