RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech and WKU will meet for the 49^th and 50^th times on the hardwood this weekend when the Lady Techsters host the Lady Toppers in a Conference USA two-game series at the Thomas Assembly Center.

The two teams will tip off Friday at 6:30 p.m. in a game that will be televised on ESPN+ and broadcast on KNBB 99.3 FM. The series will then conclude on Saturday with a 4 p.m. start time in a game that can be seen with a paid subscription to CUSA.tv and broadcast on KNBB 99.3 FM.

LA Tech (6-2, 1-1 C-USA) is coming off a split at Marshall last weekend when the Lady Techsters won 61-51 in overtime on Friday before falling 61-57 on Saturday.

WKU (1-5, 0-0 C-USA) saw its C-USA opening series against Charlotte postponed due to COVID19 concerns within the 49ers program. The Lady Toppers haven't played since a 73-59 loss at Tennessee Tech on Dec. 20.

Head coach Greg Collins team has started the season slow after the graduation of all-conference guards Dee Givens and Whitney Creech. WKU has also been without the services of all-league forward Raneem Elgedawy, although her return is possible for this weekend.

"I think the biggest difference for WKU this year is that they lost a lot of experience and a lot of scoring from last year's team," said Tech head coach Brooke Stoehr. "If you look at both games we played last year, we had leads and had chances to win. Then in critical moments, their studs took over. They were seniors who were experienced players. Those players are gone. 

"They are very talented now, but I think they are just young. They have been playing without Raneem Elgedawy who is one of the top players in Conference USA. And I think one of the best post players in her ability to score and play defense. They have been without her this whole time. We will be prepared for her if she returns this week.  It is a different supporting cast around her, but they still have [Meral] Abdelgawad on the perimeter and is a great rebounder and experienced guard."

WKU has struggled offensively, averaging just 57.2 points per game while shooting just 38 percent from the field, 24 percent from the three-point line and 63 percent from the free throw line.

The Lady Techsters have won with defense this season. Tech ranks No. 1 in Conference USA turnover margin (+3.63) and turnovers forced per game (20.8) and No. 2 in scoring defense, allowing just 60.8 points a contest. Tech has also been steady on the glass, ranking No. 1 in the league in defensive rebounding percentage (.751).

Tech leads the all-time series 26-22, including a 15-7 mark in games played in Ruston. WKU has won nine straight in the series with Tech's last win coming a decade ago (2010-11).

"We feel like we have to protect our home court and be who we are," said Stoehr. "We've got to take care of the basketball.  We have to continue to get good shots and see that ball go in the net.  And then we have to do a great job defensively, keeping them of the glass."

Keiunna Walker (17.0 ppg), Anna Larr Roberson (11.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg), Raizel Guinto (9.5 ppg, 13 three-pointers), Bri Harris (8.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg) and Amber Dixon (8.5 ppg, 7.9 rpg) lead Louisiana Tech statistically.