The top-seeded and sixth ranked Louisiana Tech started off WAC Championship Saturday bringing home their third WAC title in as many seasons, defeating the Rice Lady Owls, 76-52, at the 2004 McCaffrey WAC Basketball Tournament in Fresno, Calif. After a first-half 29-23 lead, Louisiana Tech pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Owls, 47-29. The Techsters were led by both Erica Smith-Taylor who registered 22 points, and the tournament's MVP, Amisha Carter, who tallied 18 points and 16 rebounds en route to the title.
At the conclusion of the game, the all-tournament team was announced. Tulsa's Jillian Roberts and Rice's Lauren Neaves were named to the team along with three Lady Techsters. For Louisiana Tech, Erica Smith-Taylor, Trina Frierson and Amisha Carter were selected. Carter earned the MVP honor averaging both 12.3 rebounds and 20 points per contest.
2004 McCaffrey WAC Basketball Tournament Schedule
Tuesday, March 9
Women's First Round
Game 1-#9 Boise State def. #8 Hawaii, 59-56
Game 2-#7 San Jose State def. #10 Nevada, 68-60
Wednesday, March 10
Women's Quarterfinals
Game 3-#1 Louisiana Tech def. #9 Boise State, 100-56
Game 4-#4 UTEP def. #5 SMU, 80-73 (OT)
Game 5-#2 Rice def. #7 San Jose State, 67-54
Game 6-#3 Tulsa def. #6 Fresno State, 79-55
Friday, March 12
Women's Semifinals
Game 7-#1 Louisiana Tech def. #4 UTEP, 74-47
Game 8-#2 Rice def. #3 Tulsa, 55-42
Saturday, March 13
Women's Championship
Game 9-#1 Louisiana Tech def. #2 Rice, 76-52
All-Tournament Team
Amisha Carter, Sr., Louisiana Tech (MVP)
Trina Frierson, Sr., Louisiana Tech
Erica Smith-Taylor, Jr., Louisiana Tech
Lauren Neaves, Fr., Rice
Jillian Robbins, Fr., Tulsa