RUSTON, La. -- In a hard-fought battle between two of the winningest programs in collegiate women's basketball history, Old Dominion fell at LA Tech, 59-45, on Friday evening at the Thomas Assembly Center.
"This was a game that we knew we could win and we felt like we gave away," said head coach Nikki McCray-Penson. "LA Tech is a very, very good basketball team and they are tough to beat at home. But, tonight, our turnovers really cost us."
Victoria Morris led Old Dominion (4-17, 2-5 C-USA) with 18 points, as the freshman connected on a career-high six threes. Morris' sixth triple, with 3:54 remaining, pulled ODU within one at 46-45.
However, LA Tech (13-7, 4-3 C-USA) ended the game on a 13-0 run to pull out the victory.
The Monarchs outrebounded LA Tech, 35-33, marking the seventh time in the last nine games that ODU has held the rebound margin. However, ODU committed 18 costly turnovers that translated to 18 of LA Tech's points.
"We had this game in our hands," said McCray. "It was the crucial turnovers that cost us and our inability to convert from an offensive standpoint."
Odegua Oigbokie also finished in double figures for ODU with 14 points to go along with seven rebounds. Taylor Edwards added nine points and 11 rebounds.
"To come into a tough environment like this and be in a position to win the basketball game, that is a great thing," said McCray. "We're in a good a place. We just need to find a way to win on the road."
Up next, the Monarchs head to Rice for a matchup on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
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