Fayetteville, Ark. – Louisiana Tech opened its 2025–26 season with promise but couldn't hold off a surging Arkansas squad, falling 93–81 Tuesday night at Bud Walton Arena.
 
The Lady Techsters came out firing, dominating the first quarter with a 17-2 run to open. That lead would carry into the second quarter at 22–10 behind sharp shooting and aggressive defense. Jianna Morris set the tone early, knocking down two threes and finishing the period with 8 points, while Paris Bradley added 8 of her own. Louisiana Tech shot 50% from the field in the opening frame and forced seven Razorback turnovers, turning them into fast-break points and a commanding 15-point lead at 4:46.
 
Momentum shifted in the second quarter as Arkansas found its rhythm. The first 11 points of the quarter would belong to the Razorbacks as they erupted for 31 points in the period. The comeback would be fueled by Bonnie Deas and Taleyah Jones, who combined for 16 points in the frame. The Lady Techsters struggled to match that pace, shooting just 31.8% and committing six turnovers. Joy Madison-Key ended the quarter with a tough layup through contact, sending the Lady Techsters to halftime trailing 41–40.
 
The third quarter was a battle of runs. Morris continued to shine from deep, hitting her third three-pointer, and Joy Madison-Key provided energy off the bench with key drives. Tech briefly reclaimed the lead at 44–45, but Arkansas answered with second-chance points and clutch free throws. The Lady Techsters were outscored 26–20 in the third, entering the final period down 67–60.
 
In the fourth, Louisiana Tech fought valiantly. Jordan Marshall scored 11 of her team-high 20 points in the final frame, including a bucket to tie the game at 70. Despite shooting 50% in the quarter, Tech couldn't overcome Arkansas' balanced attack and timely perimeter shooting. The Razorbacks sealed the game with an 8–0 run in the final two minutes.
 
Bradley added 16 points overall, and Morris finished with 19, hitting five threes. Newcomer Joy Madison-Key set four career highs in her first outing as a Lady Techster and provided a spark off the bench. Averi Aaron, Marshall, and Madison-Key would split a three-way tie for the lead with 6 boards in the contest.
 
QUOTABLES
Head coach Brooke Stoehr
They were the more aggressive team. We have to get down and guard the gaps to play good team defense. You cannot just expect them to miss shots, and when they do, we need to finish the possession and get the rebound. This game will not define our season, whether we won or lost. It was a great lesson and we will get it figured out in practice. We will get back to work tomorrow for a quick turnaround with a more inspired defensive presence.
 
On Joy Madison-Key's first outing as a Lady Techster…
I thought she was aggressive and showed the ability to get downhill. I liked her energy and I think she provided a spark for our team.

On Jianna Morris performance…
Her experience provided some big moments for us, her shooting and her charges got us going. She did a great job taking care of the basketball.
 
NOTABLES

• LA Tech had four players score in double figures.
• Paris Bradley scored in double-digits for the 24^th time in her career.
• Jianna Morris scored in double-digits for the 30^th time in her career.
• Jordan Marshall scored in double figures for the 24^th time in her career.
• Morris tied her career high in 3 pointers with 5.
• Joy Madison-Key set new career highs in points (13), field goals (6), field goal attempts (11), and rebounds (6).
• This is only the second opening loss in Brooke Stoehr's career.
• Marshall's 20 points is the most since Bradleys' 24 vs Lindenwood in the WNIT and the second time in her career to reach the 20 point mark.
• Marshall, Bradley, and Madison-Key finished in a three way tie for the lead with 6 rebounds: Marshall has recorded 6 or more rebounds in 28 of 35 career games.
• The Lady Techsters drew 6 charges.
• Mackenzie Wurm logged her first action since returning from injury. It was her first game since March 15, 2024.

 
UP NEXT
The Lady Techsters return to action on Friday, Nov. 7 to face ULM on the road. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

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