Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
14-5, 6-1WAC
<li> Louisiana Tech
14-4, 6-1WAC
Women's Hoops Edged At Louisiana Tech, 70-61
1/28/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 28, 2006
RUSTON, La.- Fresno State rallied from a double-digit second-half deficit but Louisiana Tech proved to be too much down the stretch, hanging on for a 70-61 victory on Saturday night at the Thomas Assembly Center.
The Bulldogs (14-5, 6-1 WAC), who had already defeated the Lady Techsters 67-58 two weeks ago at the Save Mart Center, were bidding to become the first opponent to sweep a conference regular season series from Louisiana Tech since 1990.
Instead it was Louisiana Tech (14-4, 6-1 WAC) knocking down free throws down the stretch to preserve the win and snap Fresno State's seven-game winning streak. Fresno State and Louisiana Tech are now tied for first place in the conference standings.
"I was proud of the way we fought back late in the second half," said head coach Adrian Wiggins. "It took us a lot of energy to get back in the game. Louisiana Tech played better down the stretch and that was the difference. We need to remember that it's still a long season and must continue to play hard."
Leading 33-29 at halftime, Louisiana Tech built a 13-point cushion to go ahead 49-36 with 12:29 remaining in the contest. Fresno State then embarked on a 22-7 scoring run to take a 58-56 lead with 5:17 left to play. But the Lady Techsters were too much down the stretch, scoring 12 of the game's final 17 points.
Amy Parrish led three Bulldogs in double-figures with 18 points to go along with eight rebounds. Mirenda Swearengin added 13 points and nine boards while Chantella Perera chipped in with 11 points, five assists and four rebounds.
Louisiana Tech was led by Shan Moore's 17 points (9-10 free throws, seven assists) while Ty Moore notched a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Fresno State held a 44-40 edge in rebounds, with four players pulling down at least seven. Louisiana Tech was 18-22 from the free throw line compared to Fresno State's mark of 7-14.
The Bulldog's only lead of the first half came at 3-2, when Parrish knocked down a triple. After that, Louisiana Tech remained in front but could not manage more than a five-point lead. The Lady Techsters took a 33-29 edge into the break.
A three-point from Eboni Mangum at the 14:25 mark put the Lady Techsters ahead 46-36, reaching a double-digit lead for the first time.
The advantage swelled to 13 before Fresno State made its run and a basket from Perera gave the `Dogs a 58-56 lead with 5:17 on the clock.
Tied at 58-58, Louisiana Tech closed out the game on a 12-3 scoring run.
Parrish and Louisiana Tech's Tamika Kursh were ejected with less than two minutes left in the contest after getting involved in a scuffle.
Fresno State next plays Saturday, Feb. 4, against Boise State at the Save Mart Center. Tip-off is 1 p.m.
