GameDay Central | Game Notes

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - When Louisiana Tech faces Middle Tennessee Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Murphy Center, it will be more than just a match-up of two teams tied for second place in the current Conference USA standings.

It will pit two programs that have won their share of conference regular season and tournament titles over the years while making a combined 44 NCAA Tournament appearances (27 by LA Tech, 17 by MTSU).

It will also match two teams coming off of polar opposite results in their last games. Louisiana Tech (8-7, 3-1 C-USA) overcame an 18-point second half deficit to defeat UAB 61-55 Thursday night in Birmingham. Middle Tennessee (9-5, 3-1 C-USA) watched a 19-point second half lead evaporate before falling 77-75 in overtime at home to Southern Miss.

With the two team's success on the hardwood over the years, the LA Tech-Middle Tennessee series has a chance to develop into rivalry.

"To be 3-1 (in conference play) we feel pretty good about certain parts of our team," said Techster head coach Tyler Summitt. "We are still trying to get a full picture of our team. My friends and family keep telling me that MTSU will be our rival. We are looking forward to starting that rivalry."

Saturday's game - which will be televised by the American Sports Network, including statewide on Cox Sports Television - boasts two of the top offensive teams in Conference USA. Middle Tennessee ranks second in the league in scoring, averaging 73.4 points per game while ranking 1st in three-point field goal made (7.4), 4th in field goal percentage (.418), 3rd in assists (15.0 apg) and 4th in offensive rebounds (15.6).

Louisiana Tech enters the game ranking high in numerous offensive categories, including third in scoring (71.5), 4th in free throw percentage (.706), 4th in assists (14.9) and 2nd in offensive rebounds (16.7).

Both teams boast two prolific scorers. MTSU is led by sophomore guard Olivia Jones (20.7 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 34-94 three-pointers) and senior forward Cheyenne Parker (17.1 ppg, 9.4 rpg) who rank 1st and 7th in Conference USA in scoring. LA Tech relies upon senior Whitney Frazier (15.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg) and senior Kelia Shelton (14.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg) who rank 10th and 12th respectively.

Tech leads the all-time series between two programs 4-1 although the Blue Raiders prevailed 68-51 in Ruston last season.

Fans are also reminded that tickets for the 2015 Conference USA basketball tournament which will be hosted by UAB in Birmingham (March 11-14) are on sale for $180 which includes tickets to every game (both men's and women's sessions). To purchase your tickets to the tournament or to any Louisiana Tech basketball home game, call the Tech Ticket Office at 318-257-3631, email techtickets@latech.edu or online at Click Here