By Kevin Albarez, Louisiana Tech Associate Director of Strategic Communications
RUSTON — Anna Larr Roberson scored a game-high 23 points, and Anja Bukvic set a career-high 17 in Louisiana Tech’s 67-53 win over Jacksonville State on Saturday afternoon inside the Thomas Assembly Center.
Louisiana Tech (8-11, 2-2 CUSA) opened up the scoring 30 seconds into the contest when Salma Bates drove past the Jacksonville State defender. The Gamecocks (6-10, 1-3) would use a couple of mini runs to take the lead at 10-6 with just over six minutes remaining in the quarter.
That is when Bukvic checked into the game for the first time, and she made an instant impact. On the next Lady Techster possession, Bukvic drove the ball down the baseline and reversed it in to start a 16-0 Techster run to end the quarter. She would account for 10 of those and eight straight, including two consecutive three-pointers after the layup.
Roberson added eight points in the opening stanza.
The second quarter was a much slower pace as the teams combined to shoot just 9-28 from the floor. Jax State used back-to-back three-pointers by Rachel Johnson to cut the deficit to 33-26 at the half.
The third quarter was the same as both teams were in the bonus five minutes into the second half. The Gamecocks took advantage of their opportunities and were 8-8 from the charity stripe. The Lady Techsters shot 54 percent from the field in the third quarter and had five points from Bukvic and four from Roberson and Bates.
LA Tech would close the game on an 11-2 run, holding Jax State to no field goals in the final six minutes.
Bates was the other Techster to finish in double figures at 13 points. Amaya Brannonhad a team-high six rebounds.
Johnson scored 12 points to lead the Gamecocks, while Mya Barnes added 10 points and nine rebounds.
QUOTABLES
Head coach Brooke Stoehr
“I liked our approach this week. We were out of school most of the week because of the weather and could’ve allowed external factors to cause some distractions. Our group handled it beautifully. They came to work every day, showed up, and improved in some areas. We needed to clean up some things from an execution standpoint after last week. I’m proud of their effort in doing that. We showed some improvement in those areas today.
We got off to a great start offensively moving and sharing the ball. After the first few minutes when we settled in I was proud of our defensive effort in getting into the gaps and defending as a group. We were playing too much one-on-one defensively to start the game and not as five. Other than putting them at the line 17 times, I was pleased with our defensive effort.”
On the performance of Anja Bukvic…
“She’s gained valuable experience throughout the non-conference, and she’s had those opportunities because she’s put herself in the position with the defensive effort in practice and understanding what’s going on offensively. You want to see growth, and I’m proud of her for that. We needed a spark today, and she’s been doing that for us the last couple of weeks.
It gives us another player that can score on the perimeter. It takes some pressure off our interior. The ball typically moves when she’s on the floor, and it allows our group to get easy shots because of it.”
On the difference in the third quarter recently…
They’ve taken it upon themselves when we pointed those things out of having a concentrated effort of locking in, whether it’s something Anna Larr says in the huddle to start the second half or just the overall commitment to setting the tone the first 3 minutes of the quarter. I think they’re understanding those moments and momentum and not allowing teams to hang around and gain confidence.
Senior Forward Anna Larr Roberson
On getting back to .500 in league play…
“It’s all about staying consistent and a confidence booster for us. As a team, we need some of that confidence. We’re going on the road again, so staying unified and not straying away from each other. Knowing that this is a team sport, we need to rely on each other in these times.”
On being on the road the next two games…
“It starts with our mental prep. It starts with turning the page from this game and being prepared mentally for the road because it is tough on our bodies and minds. We need to stay mentally strong as a group and just be confident. We need to just play basketball.”
On the being able to play with different rotations…
“It allowed for other people to work and expand on their strengths. We were, and then we capitalized on their weaknesses. It was good to be able to keep fresh bodies in, and that’s why we were able to push the ball up the floor. We are able to get different looks on different offensive plays. It keeps everybody involved. It’s nice whenever you have a sub coming in and knowing they have your back and they know I have theirs too.”
Sophomore Guard Anja Bukvic
On getting others involved on the court…
“It all starts in practice and working hard. It is the things that are good for the team. I have been scoring, but if I see somebody open, I will pass it to them. That is how I have always played back in Europe, and I just brought that with me. I like sharing the ball and getting the assist; you have multiple people that are happy.”
