RUSTON ââ'¬" Louisiana Tech returns to the Thomas Assembly Center floor Thursday night when the Lady Techsters host Memphis at 6:30 p.m.

The contest against Memphis starts a seven-game stretch over the next three weeks for Head Coach Brooke Stoehr and Co. that includes games against No. 2 Texas, Auburn, Penn State, Clemson and the American Athletic Association's Tigers.

"Buckle up and get ready to go," said Stoehr, who has seen her team post home wins over Grambling State and LSU-Alexandria in the first two games of the year. "We put this schedule together for a reason. We felt it would prepare us for conference play and give us an opportunity to really be challenged. And that's what we are going to get (in these games). For us, it is take care of our home court, correct the mistakes we've been making and play with energy and effort."

A victory by Tech (2-0) over Memphis (1-1) would give the Lady Techsters the program's first 3-0 start since the 2009-10 season. In order to accomplish the feat prior to its first road game of the year at Auburn on Sunday, Louisiana Tech must handle an athletic Tigers team that is led by 6-foot-1 forward Cheyenne Creighton. The Ontario, Canada native averages 24.5 points and 9.0 rebounds a game after a win over Tennessee State and a road loss at Little Rock.

Guards Brea Elmore and Taylor Barnes, younger sister of former Bulldog football player Adairius Barnes, are also averaging in double figures through two games, adding 10.5 points per contest.

As a team, Memphis is shooting 48 percent from the field and 46 percent (12-26) from the three-point line although the Tigers have struggled defensively, allowing opponents to average 80.5 points and shoot 50 percent from the field. Memphis is also averaging 26 turnovers per contest.

One of the big reasons for Tech's 2-0 start is the Lady Techsters job on the boards. Tech ranks No. 19 in the country in rebounding at plus 20.5 rebounds per game while it also ranks No. 26 in the country in field goal percentage defense (29.6 percent). Memphis will provide a challenge in both of those areas Thursday night.

Kierra Anthony (18.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg) and Alexus Malone (12.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg) have been Tech's top two offensive threats early in the year although the Lady Techsters have shown some early season offensive depth. Anthony and Malone have been joined in the double digit scoring column already this season by Taylor Stahly, Nikki McDonald, Reauna Cleaver and Maria Delgado.

Cleaver (8.0 rpg) and Zhanae Whitney (8.0 rpg) have joined Malone as Tech's leaders on the boards. Freshman Amber Dixon has also provided an early season spark, leading the team with 13 assists while committing only two turnovers.

The contest can be heard on the LA Tech Sports Network on KNBB 97.7 FM (Ruston/Monroe) and KTKC 92.9 FM (Springhill). Fans can access a free audio stream of the game through the Louisiana Tech X mobile app and can access a video feed through a paid subscription to CUSATV.com.