Women’s Basketball: Louisiana Drops Heartbreaker at Louisiana Tech, 68-65

Ragin’ Cajuns fall just short of first-ever victory in Ruston

RUSTON, La. – Freshman Tamera Johnson had an opportunity to force overtime with a game-tying 3-pointer with less than one second to play, but her effort went in-and-out as Louisiana dropped a heartbreaker to Louisiana Tech, 68-65, in Ruston.

Johnson was the team’s offensive catalyst all afternoon, posting a career-high 17 points against the Bulldogs, while adding a career-high five rebounds, one assist and one steal. The newcomer was joined in double figures by Ty’Reona Doucet and Skyler Goodwin, who added 13 points each in the loss.

After the first quarter ended in a 19-all draw, Louisiana Tech took control in the second half, going up 35-29 late before a Johnson bucket pulled Louisiana within 35-31 at halftime.

The home team went ahead 48-39 at the 4:03 mark of the third quarter when Keiunna Walker scored two of her game-high 21 points for the Lady Techsters, but an 11-2 run in the remaining time capped by a Goodwin triple sent the game into the fourth quarter tied at 50.

Louisiana led by four points two times in the fourth quarter thanks to Brandi Williams and Jomyra Mathis, who scored seven points and six points, respectively, in the game, but Louisiana Tech was able to respond in both instances.

Doucet put her team in great position to steal its first win in Ruston with an easy basket in the paint to go up 65-64, but four-straight made free throws from Louisiana Tech, two of which came in the final second, put the home team ahead by three points.

With one final opportunity to force overtime, the Ragin’ Cajuns got the ball to Johnson, whose triple at the buzzer went in-and-out to allow the Lady Techsters to squeak by with a 68-65 win.

Louisiana opens Sun Belt Conference play on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, when it travels to San Marcos, Texas, to take on Texas State. Tipoff for both games on opening weekend are slated for 4 p.m. CT.