Jan. 29, 2010
RUSTON - Louisiana Tech looks to snap a two-game losing streak Saturday night when the Lady Techsters host Idaho at 6 p.m. at the Thomas Assembly Center in the first game of a doubleheader with the Bulldogs.
Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon's team is still alone in third place in the WAC standings heading into this two-game home stand against Idaho and Boise State (Feb. 3) but the Lady Techsters need to get back to the winning ways that saw them win six straight games during the month of December.
"It's all about effort," Weatherspoon said during her radio show Thursday night. "It always starts with playing hard. Sure, there are some things we have to do a better job of as far as execution on both ends of the floor, but it starts with effort.
"The good news is that everything we've done (the last two games) is correctable. Our young ladies have pride and we are going to continue working hard in practice to get better. It's all about us at this point."
During the Lady Techsters two-game road trip at Fresno State and Nevada, LA Tech (12-6, 3-3 WAC) shot only 32 percent from the field, including only 2-of-16 from three three-point line, while averaging 58.5 points a contest - more than 18 below their season average.
Shanavia Dowdell was the lone bright spot during the road swing, averaging 21.0 points and an eye-popping 17.5 rebounds a game in the two contests. Dowdell was the only Techster that shot better than 33 percent from the field in the last two games.
"We know that we can't succeed without everyone contributing," Weatherspoon said. "Shanavia did an outstanding job of putting this team on her shoulders but we need everyone to be successful. We have talented players across the board and I know they will respond."
Idaho ( 4-15, 2-4) has struggled this year after being the surprise team of the WAC last season. The Vandals have suffered through injuries, suspensions and close losses but have shown signs of coming to life recently, having posted wins over Boise State and New Mexico State.
On the year, Idaho has lost six games by single digits, including a two-point last second loss at home against Utah State Wednesday night.
Idaho is led by Rachel Kloke (13.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and Shaena Kuehu (11.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg) who are both excellent three-point shooters. Coach Jon Newlee's team - who lost preseason all-WAC forward Telani Derisa to injury before the start of the year - also has some inside presence with Yinka Olorunnife, who is averaging 9.1 points and a team-high 6.9 rebounds a game.
Tech leads the all-time series against Idaho 9-0, including a 4-0 mark in Ruston.
The contest can be heard on the LA Tech Sports Network on ESPN 97.7 FM with the pregame show beginning at 5:30 p.m. It can also be viewed via the Internet on LA Tech All-Access by logging onto www.latechsports.com.
