Louisiana Tech will be playing for a Conference USA West Division title Saturday at home.
Former Cedar Creek star Anna Larr Roberson came up huge for the second time in three games, leading the Lady Techsters to a huge 65-62 road win over Old Dominion Wednesday night. .
Roberson scored 31 points and grabbed eight rebounds, setting up a huge home finale against UAB Saturday at 2 p.m.. A win and the Techsters are the West Division champions.
“I love coaching this group because they just keep fighting for each other and are so much fun to be around every day,” said Tech head coach Brooke Stoehr. “We say all the time that great teams have great teammates, and we have a group of great teammates. Tonight, this group took a big step in growing up on the road.”
With the win, Tech (18-10, 10-7) is one win away from capturing the Conference USA West Division title as the Lady Techsters host UAB Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Thomas Assembly Center.
Although Roberson was the workhorse for Tech in the game, it was sophomore Robyn Lee who hit a jumper with 10 seconds remaining in the game to give the Lady Techsters a 63-62 lead.
Moments later true freshman Amaya Brannon stole the ball and then Roberson hit two free throws (she was 10-for-10 at the line on the night) with 0.5 seconds remaining to seal the win.
Roberson, who scored 44 points in a double overtime win over Rice one week ago, hit 10-of-13 field goals, 1-of-2 three-pointers and all 10 free throws in the win.
“Anna Larr was tremendous and battled all night long for us,” said Stoehr. “She wasn’t going to let this group be denied. Amaya played some great defense and took three charges. She was aggressive and locked in from the start. Sal was super steady all night facing a lot of pressure and scored a couple of big baskets to keep us in it when they made their runs. Everyone stepped up and gave a little bit more.”
And the Lady Techsters won despite leading scorer Keiunna Walker netting only six points before fouling out with two minutes to play.
“I’m incredibly proud of the grit and toughness this team showed tonight in a difficult environment,” said Stoehr. “It is March and tonight had a tournament feel to it. They battled through some adversity with foul trouble to Keiunna, and we had people step up in a big way. Our bench was big and we got solid contributions from everyone. Robyn Lee was clutch for us with a huge defensive board and baseline jumper that gave us the lead.”
Lee scored 11 points and Salma Bates added 10 points as Tech shot 59 percent from the field and 16-of-17 from the free throw line.
Tech can clinch the C-USA West Division title with a win Saturday. It would mark the first league title for the Lady Techsters since the 2010-11 season.
“We have to finish it on Saturday against a very good UAB team,” said Stoehr. “We need a great crowd in the TAC to help us protect our home court.”
Photo: Kyle Kavanaugh
