La Tech ESPN Analysis

[mikedog]

Analysis by ESPN's Beth Mowins This season, Louisiana Tech has suffered a few more losses than the Lady Techsters are used to (20-9). And they're certainly not familiar with entering the NCAA Tournament as an at-large. But La. Tech, which is one of only two teams to reach every NCAA field since the tourney was first held in 1982, lost to Rice in the Western Athletic Conference final Saturday.

Momentum is indeed a little shaky. In addition to losing to Rice for the second time in 10 days, La. Tech needed double overtime to win its WAC semifinal meeting.

Still, after advancing to the Sweet 16 each of the past two seasons, the Lady Techers' athleticism and experience could help them make some noise in the tournament for coach Kurt Budke.

Senior Erica Taylor's story is terrific. She missed the first half of the season after giving birth to her first child with husband, Jermaine, a professional boxer. She returned to play in the team's last 14 games to average nine points and four rebounds. She is a big spark defensively and very disruptive.

Junior Tasha Crain has had a breakout season and was named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Crain averaged 18 points, four rebounds and four assists. She is terrific off the dribble, driving to the basket and getting fouled. Crain shoots seven free throws per game.

The Lady Techsters have plenty of speed with Lakiste Barkus and Shan Moore. They both average double digits for Louisiana Tech.

[oledawg66]

Nice to be acknowleged as one of only two teams making the dance all 24 years. I would love to see a little dejavu (sp) with ES-T in the first two rounds.