RUSTON - Louisiana Tech senior guard Kelia Shelton was named the Conference USA Player of the Week following her performance in the Lady Techsters 81-77 loss to 22nd ranked Mississippi State in Starkville last week.

The Rock Hill, South Carolina native scored a season-high 31 points, including 22 in the second half, as Louisiana Tech took the undefeated Bulldogs down to the final seconds before falling. Shelton his 11-of-21 shots, 3-of-4 three-pointers and 6-of-8 free throws while also grabbing four rebounds in the game.

"I am proud of Kelia," said LA Tech head coach Tyler Summitt following the game. "She is a fierce competitor. I think our team really rallied around her and knew to get her the basketball. She scored in a variety of ways."

Shelton, who was named the WAC Player of the Week Feb. 12, 2013 after scoring a league record 45 points in a road win at UTSA, drew praise from her counterparts following the contest.

"Obviously, number one (Kelia Shelton) was the best player on the floor tonight," said Mississippi State head coach Vic Schaefer postgame. "She played extremely well for them. We didn't have an answer for her."

Shelton will lead the Lady Techsters into Monday night's contest against Nicholls State at the Thomas Assembly Center at 6:30 p.m.