RUSTON, Louisiana – HBU women's basketball closes out its non-conference schedule in an 85-62 loss Thursday evening to Louisiana Tech at Thomas Assembly Center.

"Toughness," head coach Donna Finnie said. "We have to find some and quick. We have not seen it in the last two games and despite the talent we have, none of it matters if we don't play harder." 

Three players led the Huskies (4-6) in double-figures. Junior center Veronika Kirienko posted a double-double for the second time this season. She shot 63.6 percent from the field, posting 17 points and matching her career-high 12 rebounds. Sophomore guard Sophie Taylor put up 15 points, brought down five boards, and had three assists. Junior center Natalia Gwarda shot 66.7 percent from the floor and finished with 12 points and five rebounds. Freshman guard Megan Valdez-Crader and junior guard Amanda Johnson each added six points.

"Veronika did a great job of finishing in the paint tonight. Sophie attacked their pressure hard and was rewarded at the line. Blair gave us great minutes off the bench, but we need to come back ready for battle in conference play." 

Louisiana Tech (8-4) was led by Kierra Anthony, who shot 8-of-11 from the floor and 3-of-5 from the 3-point range, racking up 21 points, four rebounds and four steals. Taylor Stahly put up 19 points and handed out five assists. Zhanae Whitney scored 13 points and nine boards, while Alexus Malone contributed 10 points and 8 rebounds.

HBU shot 39.2 percent from the field, went 1-of-6 from the 3-point line and 21-of-31 from behind the line, while LA Tech shot 38.5 percent from the floor, went 10-of-27 from behind the arc and 25-of-32 from the free-throw line. HBU dominated in the paint 32-24 and out-shot LA Tech in the fourth quarter, 24-13, but wasn't enough to push LA Tech's quick start.

The Huskies will begin its Southland Conference schedule on Thursday, Dec. 28 for a 7 p.m. tip-off against Lamar at Sharp Gym. They will then travel to New Orleans to face UNO on Saturday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. After the new year, HBU will return to Sharp Gym to battle Nicholls on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m.