March 7, 2008

RUSTON - Louisiana Tech will close out its regular season Saturday night when the Lady Techsters face San Jose State at 9 p.m. CST at The Events Center.

Tech (14-14, 8-7 WAC) will most likely be without its leading scorer and rebounder in senior forward Jo Sneed, who missed the final 23 minutes of Tech's 84-77 loss to Hawaii after being ejected by the officials.

Lady Techster head coach Chris Long said he hadn't heard from league officials as of noon on Friday, but he expected the Sneed would be suspended for the regular season finale.

Long said that without Sneed, who is averaging 18.5 points and 10.7 rebounds in WAC play, his team would have to find a way to win.

"San Jose State has been a tough out for everyone," Long said. "There record isn't great, but if you look at their box scores, they've been in every game they've played. Coming off the Hawaii game and playing without Sneed, we will have to play a great game to win it.

"We will have to have other players step up. We beat San Jose in Ruston without their leading scorer playing. Natalie White is a difficult match-up and has the quickest release in the league. It will take a great team effort."

Tech defeated San Jose State 70-54 on Feb. 28 in Ruston.

The Spartans are only 2-26 on the year, 1-14 in the Western Athletic Conference but possess athleticism that causes problems for opposing teams.

White is leading San Jose State averaging 16.1 points a game and has hit 50 three-pointers on the year.

What: Louisiana Tech at San Jose State

When: Saturday at 9 p.m. CST

Where: The Events Center in San Jose, Calif.

Radio: KXKZ 107.5 FM

Internet Audio: www.z1075fm.com