RUSTON – Louisiana Tech's freshman guard Paris Bradley was named Conference USA Freshman of the Week for the second time this season after leading the Lady Techsters to a 3-0 week and their first 2-0 start in conference play since 2017-18.
The Carrollton, Texas, native began the week with eight points, five assists, five steals, and three rebounds against LSU Alexandria, where her five steals and five assists either set or tied career highs. Bradley followed this up with seven points, seven assists, and three rebounds to kick off conference play—crucially contributing to Louisiana Tech's second-half comeback with five assists over the final 20 minutes and aiding defensively by limiting UTEP to just six points during the final quarter. She capped her week with 12 points, five steals, four assists, and three rebounds against New Mexico State, showcasing her defensive prowess by restricting the nation’s 13th-leading scorer to eight points below her season average. On the season, Bradley is averaging 9.8 points per game, ranking third on the team, and leads with 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals per contest.
Looking to extend their four-game winning streak, the Lady Techsters will travel to FIU on Thursday for their game scheduled at 6 p.m. CT, followed by another away game at Liberty with a 1 p.m. CT tip-off on Saturday.
On the other hand, Louisiana Tech’s football team is preparing for the Independence Bowl against No. 22 Army on Saturday evening at Shreveport, Louisiana. This match offers the Bulldogs, who hold a 5-7 season record, the chance to represent the region as they step onto the field as underdogs—a surprising opportunity since they initially weren't expected to participate.
Coach Sonny Cumbie, reflecting on past successes, particularly recalls the 2004 Holiday Bowl, where he threw for 520 yards to lead Texas Tech to victory. He hopes to replicate this achievement with his current team. Cumbie shared some excitement among senior players, stating, “The first guys we got on the phone with were the seniors. They thought it was like a prank call. They thought we were jacking with them.”
Louisiana Tech received this bowl opportunity after Marshall withdrew due to 25 players entering the transfer portal. Balancing the challenges presented by this exit, particularly with 16 portal losses, is key for Cumbie as he gears up for the game. Notably, defensive lineman David Blay, who led the Bulldogs with 6.5 sacks, has committed to the University of Miami, leaving gaps on the defensive line. Offensively, Louisiana Tech's running game averages just 3.0 yards per carry, opting to rely on quarterback Evan Bullock, who has thrown for 1,932 yards and 14 touchdowns against only two interceptions throughout the season.
Army is also striving for closure after surrendering the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy, suffering a disappointing 31-13 loss to Navy on December 14. Quarterback Bryson Daily, sixth overall for the Heisman Trophy voting, leads Army's rush-heavy triple-option offense, boasting 1,532 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. Daily's performance against Navy, marred by three interceptions, stands as a focal point of fortitude heading to the bowl game.
Both teams will be under scrutiny as they step onto the field; Army seeks its first bowl win since 2021 and aims to finish the season with 12 wins, the most ever for its program. Meanwhile, Louisiana Tech will make its first bowl appearance since 2020 and has participated six times previously, boasting a 3-2 record at the Independence Bowl.
While the two teams have met twice previously, Army holds victory over Louisiana Tech in both encounters (2008, 2013). Fans are eager to engage and support their local team during this matchup, showcasing the initiative for Louisiana Tech Athletics to encourage community investment, as underscored by their mantra: "Championships require championship resources. Fans can make a direct impact on the success of LA Tech Athletics through LTAC, Aillet Society, T-Club, and Young Alumni program as well as the Bulldog Community Outreach, which is the NIL collective," as noted by Louisiana Tech Athletics.
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