by Malcolm Butler
It took an extra five minutes, but Louisiana Tech survived an upstart UTEP team 91-87 in overtime Saturday night at the Thomas Assembly Center.
The win was the 17th straight for the Lady Techsters (24-5, 17-1), who claimed the program’s first regular season title since 2011 and will enter the CUSA Tournament as the No. 1 outright seed after running away with the championship by five games.
It was a game that featured 22 lead changes and 16 ties.
“We had to dig deep tonight to come out with the win,” said head coach Brooke Stoehr. “Give UTEP credit. They played really well and made some big shots. It was not our best defensive effort, but sometimes you have to credit your opponent. I am incredibly proud of the grit and resilience this group showed when we did not have our best and things did not go our way.”
The Miners, who lost 87-48 to Tech in El Paso on Feb. 5, had revenge on their minds. UTEP hit a program single game record 14 three-pointers and almost rallied from a late nine-point deficit to pull off the upset. After Tech used a 12-2 run to take a 75-66 lead with three minutes to play, including a five-point possession in which Bradley hit a layup and then Jianna Morris stole the inbounds pass and scored while being fouled.
“That’s my role,” said Morris. “It was a momentum play. I knew that was my role in that moment … doing whatever I needed to do to help us win.”
The Miners fought back … all the way back.
Portia Adams lane jumper in traffic with 5 seconds to play gave UTEP a 79-78 lead. Following a timeout, Tech put the ball in the hands of Paris Bradley, who drove baseline and drew a foul with 3 seconds left. Bradley sank one of two free throws to tie the game, sending it to overtime after the Miners misfired on a last second attempt.
In OT, sophomore Averi Aaron stepped up, scoring eight of Tech’s 12 points, including a three-pointer with 1:19 to play that broke an 85-85 tie.
“I just play the game,” said Aaron. “I don’t think about it too much. I feel like a lot of people get caught up (in the moment), but to me, every play is just the next play.”
After UTEP hit two free throws to close to within 88-87, Alexia Weaver sank a pair of free throws and Aaron hit one of two at the charity stripe to seal the win. The 17 straight league wins is the most by a Conference USA team in 25 years.
“We just come out and compete every day,” said Paris Bradley, who scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the win. “We show up and work every day no matter what the result is. We have had a really good season and it’s because we are consistent in what we do.”
In addition to Bradley’s big night, Weaver added 22 points and Aaron had 13 points and nine rebounds.
Tech will open the CUSA Tournament Wednesday against the winner of Sam Houston State and Liberty with a trip to the NCAA Tournament on the line.
“We can’t overlook any game. It is a tournament,” said Weaver. “We have to come in with the same mindset we have had all year. It’s about us. It’s about what we do. We just need to show up and take care of business.”
Ivane Tensaie scored 26 points, including seven three-pointers, while Adams added 23 for the Miners.
