Nov. 27, 2010

Box Score

SPRINGFIELD, Missouri - Adrienne Johnson scored 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds but Louisiana Tech continued its offensive struggles falling 62-53 at Missouri State Saturday afternoon at the John Q. Hammons Arena.

Despite holding Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year Casey Garrison in check most of the afternoon, Tech (2-3) fell for the third straight time after shooting only 32 percent (21-66) from the field, 27 percent (7-26) from the three-point line and 33 percent (4-12) from the free throw line.

Garrison, who entered the game averaging 28.3 points per game, scored 15 points as Tech held her to only 4-of-9 shooting for the game. Garrison did hit all seven of her free throws in the contest.

After leading 22-16 in the first half, the Lady Techsters saw Missouri State (3-1) use a 15-4 run to close the first half as the Bears held a 31-26 halftime advantage.

Missouri State built the lead up to 11 points at 51-40 with 6:58 to play before Tech made one final run as Tarkeisha Wysinger-Mackey's three-pointer from the top of the key with 3:25 to play cut the advantage to 53-50.

After a defensive stop on the other end, the Lady Techsters had a chance to tie the game up but Jasmine Bendolph misfired on a 22-footer from the top of the key with 2:36 to play. Missouri State outscored Tech 9-3 the rest of the way for the win.

In addition to Johnson's second double double of the year, Whitney Jones scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds.

Missouri State outrebounded LA Tech 54-41 in the game and outscored the Lady Techsters 32-16 on points in the paint.

Tech returns to action Wednesday when the Lady Techsters travel to Starkville to face Mississippi State at 7 pm.