RUSTON, La. (Interstat) — Louisiana Tech used a decisive third-quarter surge to defeat Middle Tennessee 61-48 in a Conference USA women’s basketball game Thursday night at the Thomas Assembly Center. The Lady Techsters, led by Paris Bradley’s 17 points, outscored the visiting Blue Raiders 22-14 in the third period to break open a close game. Louisiana Tech improved to 10-5 overall, while Middle Tennessee fell to 9-8. Yu Han Lin scored 14 points for the Blue Raiders, who struggled offensively, shooting 40% from the floor and committing 17 turnovers. Both teams attempted 20 three-pointers, making seven each, but Louisiana Tech’s efficiency on 54 possessions proved the difference. A crowd of 1,405 attended.

RUSTON, La. (Interstat) — The Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters used a dominant third-quarter surge to overcome a sluggish first half and defeat the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 61-48 in a Conference USA women’s basketball game Thursday night at the Thomas Assembly Center. A crowd of 1,405 watched as Louisiana Tech, now 10-5 overall, shook off a poor offensive start to outscore Middle Tennessee 22-14 in the pivotal third period, turning a narrow four-point halftime lead into a commanding double-digit advantage that the Blue Raiders could not overcome. Middle Tennessee fell to 9-8 with the loss. The game was a defensive struggle from the opening tip. Both teams combined for 10 turnovers in a disjointed first quarter, which ended with Louisiana Tech holding a 15-5 lead. The Blue Raiders found their footing in the second quarter, outscoring the Lady Techsters 16-12 behind eight points from guard Yu Han Lin to trim the deficit to 27-21 at the intermission. The contest turned decisively in the third quarter. Louisiana Tech’s offense, which had managed just 12 points in the second period, erupted. The Lady Techsters opened the half on a 7-2 run, fueled by a layup from Alexia Weaver and a three-point play from Jordan Marshall. While Middle Tennessee’s Macie Phifer and Kirston Verhulst hit jumpers to keep pace, Louisiana Tech’s defense ignited its transition game. A steal by Weaver led to her own layup, and moments later, another steal by Averi Aaron resulted in a fast-break layup for Aaron, pushing the lead to 42-31. Middle Tennessee’s offensive struggles were pronounced throughout the night. The Blue Raiders shot just 40 percent from the field and a dismal 45.5 percent from the free-throw line. They also committed 17 turnovers, which Louisiana Tech converted into 15 points. The Lady Techsters, while not sharp from the field either at 44.4 percent, controlled the glass with eight offensive rebounds leading to 11 second-chance points and committed five fewer turnovers. Paris Bradley was the catalyst for Louisiana Tech, finishing with a game-high 17 points, four assists and three steals. Her all-around performance, including a crucial three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to stifle a final Middle Tennessee push, anchored the Lady Techsters’ effort. Jordan Marshall added 14 points and was a force inside, while Averi Aaron contributed 11 points and three steals. For Middle Tennessee, Yu Han Lin led the way with 14 points, scoring in every quarter. Macie Phifer added 10 points and four assists, but the Blue Raiders’ offense never found a consistent rhythm against Louisiana Tech’s pressure. A key sequence late in the third quarter encapsulated the night for Middle Tennessee. After a three-pointer from Savannah Davis cut the deficit to 47-42, Louisiana Tech’s Joy Madison-Key answered with a layup just before the buzzer to restore a seven-point lead heading into the final period. The fourth quarter saw Louisiana Tech maintain its composure. Leading 54-45 after a Phifer three-pointer with 6:16 remaining, the Lady Techsters sealed the game with a 7-0 run. It was capped by a Jianna Morris three-pointer off an Aaron assist, extending the lead to 61-45 with just over five minutes to play, effectively putting the game out of reach. Statistically, the game was closer than the final score indicated in some facets. Both teams made seven three-pointers and blocked two shots. Middle Tennessee actually recorded more assists, nine to seven, and more steals, nine to seven. However, Louisiana Tech’s advantages in rebounding, turnovers, and free-throw shooting proved decisive. The Lady Techsters’ offensive rating of 97.2 points per 100 possessions starkly outperformed the Blue Raiders’ mark of 75.9. The victory gives Louisiana Tech momentum heading into a Saturday home matchup against Western Kentucky. Middle Tennessee, which had won four of its last five games coming in, including two decisive conference victories, will look to rebound quickly on the road at Sam Houston on Saturday.

RUSTON, La. (Interstat) — A pair of teams riding winning streaks will clash Thursday when the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders visit the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters in a Conference USA women’s basketball matchup at the Thomas Assembly Center. Both teams enter with 9-win records and momentum from dominant weekend victories. Middle Tennessee (9-7) has won four straight, including an 88-51 rout of New Mexico State on Saturday. Louisiana Tech (9-5) has won two consecutive games, most recently an 86-72 road victory at Liberty last Sunday. The game features a compelling matchup in the post. Middle Tennessee’s Macie Phifer is coming off a double-double performance against New Mexico State, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Over her last five games, the forward has been a consistent interior presence. She will be countered by Louisiana Tech’s high-scoring guard Paris Bradley, who is averaging 17.9 points per game. Bradley is fresh off a career-high 31-point outburst in the win at Liberty, showcasing her ability to take over offensively. Support from Averi Aaron (21 points vs. Liberty) gives the Lady Techsters a potent scoring duo. The Blue Raiders have found their rhythm during their streak, winning by an average margin of 28.5 points in their last two home games. Alayna Contreras (18 points vs. New Mexico State) and Yu Han Lin (15 points) provide scoring balance alongside Phifer. Louisiana Tech has been strong at home this season, with its only loss in Ruston coming against Sam Houston on Jan. 2. The Lady Techsters’ defense has held opponents to 50 points or fewer in three of their last five home contests. Historically, Louisiana Tech holds a 15-8 series advantage over Middle Tennessee, though the programs split their two meetings last season, each winning on their home floor. Thursday’s contest begins a critical stretch for both teams in the Conference USA standings. Following this game, Middle Tennessee travels to face Sam Houston on Saturday, while Louisiana Tech hosts Western Kentucky.