Aug. 27, 2009
2009-10 Schedule
RUSTON, La. -- Louisiana Tech head men's basketball coach Kerry Rupp released his 2009-10 schedule on Thursday, and it features one game against a Pac-10 school, one tournament and five contests against Louisiana institutions.
Heading into the team's preseason workouts, Rupp is optimistic about his team and is eager to start preparations for what could be an exciting Bulldog season.
"I feel like this season, we finally have experienced players who bring instant credibility and institutional understanding to our program; combined with young players who will bring great energy and keep us fresh," Rupp said. "These individuals united by a foundation of character and a culture of discipline, who all want to give of themselves to be part of something bigger, is exciting as we prepare for an extremely competitive and demanding non-conference and Western Athletic Conference schedule."
Before the Bulldogs begin the season, they will play Lincoln University of Missouri in an exhibition contest at the Thomas Assembly Center Nov. 7. One week later, on Nov. 14, Tech opens its 2009-10 schedule at former American South Conference and Sun Belt Conference foe UT-Pan American, who they have not played since the 1998-99 season.
Tech will travel to Albuquerque, N.M. to participate in the Basketball Travelers Tournament Nov. 20-22 along with Miami of Ohio, New Mexico and Nicholls State. Following the four-team tournament, the Bulldogs return home for their home opener set for Nov. 25 against UALR.
Rupp and Co. will oppose TCU in Fort Worth, Texas Nov. 28 or 29 depending on how the Horned Frogs fare in the Preseason NIT.
The Bulldogs will battle two Louisiana schools in the first week of December, starting with a game at ULM on Dec. 2. They will then face Northwestern State for the first time since the 1998-99 season on Dec. 5. Thus far, the Bulldogs and Demons have played each other 137 times with Tech leading the series, 75-62.
On Dec. 9, Tech will visit Tucson, Ariz. to take on the Arizona Wildcats in the first meeting between both schools. After they return, they will take on Centenary at the Gold Dome in Shreveport on Dec. 12.
Murray State, the Bulldogs' 2009 ESPNU BracketBuster opponent, will visit Ruston Dec. 15. The contest will mark the start of Tech's longest homestand of the year as it also includes games against McNeese State on Dec. 19 and UT - Pan American on Dec. 22.
Before Tech's WAC opener, they will square off against the University of Houston, who they have not played in over 25 years, in Houston, Texas on Dec. 29.
Nevada will travel to Ruston to begin WAC play Jan. 2. The Bulldogs host defending WAC regular season and WAC Tournament champion Utah State Jan. 4. Tech will take a break from its conference schedule when they travel to an opponent to be determined in the 2010 ESPNU BracketBuster event Feb. 20. A trip to Nevada on March 6 will mark the conclusion of Tech's regular season.
The 2010 WAC Tournament is set for March 9-13 in Reno, Nev.
For complete coverage of Bulldog Basketball, please visit the official home of LA Tech Athletics at LATechSports.com.
