RUSTON, La. – After storming back for a memorable win over Middle Tennessee in Friday night’s quarterfinal, Louisiana Tech came up short Saturday in the Conference USA title game falling 68-63 to Charlotte at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco.
Tech (21-11) led by 15 points in the second quarter, but the 49ers (22-9) rallied in the third and fourth quarters to claim the C-USA title.
Despite the loss, the Lady Techsters – the C-USA West Division champions – have earned a spot in the 64-team Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) and will find out the opponent, date and location today by 1 p.m.
“I am incredibly proud of this team and the fight they showed all tournament long,” said LA Tech head coach Brooke Stoehr. “I’m so very grateful for this group and the ride they’ve taken us on over the last month. They have continued to show up for each other and represent our program and university with integrity.
“This young team gained incredible experience over the last month and during this tournament run. As hard as (the loss) is, I know this group has more basketball left to play and we look forward to getting back on the court with them this week as we prepare for the WNIT.”
The Lady Techsters have a chance to host a first-round WNIT game which would be played Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Follow @LATechWBB on Twitter and go to LATechSports.com for more information when the pairings are announced today (the LPJ will have the information in Tuesday’s edition).
Tech was led in the C-USA Tournament by all-tournament performers Anna Larr Roberson and Keiunna Walker.
Walker finished with 23 points, four rebounds, and three assists in the championship game while Roberson completed her ninth double-double of the year with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Over the three tournament games, Walker averaged 25.3 ppg and 4.3 rpg while Roberson averaged a double-double with 15.3 ppg and 10.0 rpg.
The WNIT appearance will be Tech’s first since 2018.
