Dec. 14, 2010
Game Day Central
RUSTON - Louisiana Tech and Arkansas State will meet for the 37th time in women's basketball when the Lady Techsters host the Red Wolves Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at the Thomas Assembly Center.
The Tech Athletics Department is doing a special Toys-for-Tots promotion for the game as any fan who brings a new toy will receive free admittance into the contest. Toys-for-Tots boxes will be located at each of the three entrances into the Thomas Assembly Center.
The Lady Techsters (4-3) have won two straight games, including Sunday's eight-point victory over Southern, but head coach Teresa Weatherspoon said she expects to see much better execution from her basketball team.
"Being poised; that's what we have talked about the last few days," said Weatherspoon. "We want and have to be a disciplined team. We always say value the possession. At least get a shot. Twenty-seven turnovers (against Southern); you cannot win games turning it over that many times."
Adrienne Johnson continues her assault on opposing teams as the senior ranks 10th in the country, averaging 21.6 points per game while also pulling down a team-best 8.6 rebounds. Johnson is shooting 51 percent from the field and 85 percent from the free throw line.
She enters Wednesday's contest needing only 21 points to move past Ayana Walker and into 20th place on the LA Tech all-time scoring list.
Whitney Jones (11.6 ppg), Tarkeisha Wysinger-Mackey (8.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg) and Shantale Bramble-Donaldson (7.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg) have also been consistent scoring threats for the Lady Techsters. Jones needs only 73 more points to become the 40th member of the 1,000-point club.
Through the first seven games of the year, the Lady Techsters have played one of the toughest schedules in the country as all seven opponents were postseason teams from a year ago.
Although Arkansas State did not make postseason play last year, the Red Wolves enter the game sporting a 6-4 record with their losses coming to 16th ranked Iowa (50-47), 18th ranked St. John's (60-48), SMU (86-80, 2OT) and Missouri State (58-47).
"They run a lot of different sets," Weatherspoon said. "We are definitely going to have to be ready defensively. They move from one option to the next. They are a very patient team. They know what they want. They are good, and they always play us well. It's another test for us."
Arkansas State is led by Monroe native Quinishia McDowell as the sophomore guard is averaging 11.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Shania Hurst (10.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and Sherina Scott (9.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg) join McDowell as the Red Wolves top offensive players.
Tech leads the all-time series against Arkansas State 34-2, including 26 straight victories. The Lady Techsters own a perfect 16-0 mark against the Red Wolves in Ruston. Tech defeated Arkansas State 71-59 in Jonesboro last season.
The contest can be heard on the LA Tech Sports Network on ESPN 97.7 FM with the pregame show starting at 6:30 p.m. Fans can also watch a live video stream of the game over the Internet by purchasing a subscription to LA Tech All-Access through www.latechsports.com.
