Louisiana Tech vs. LSU

STANFORD, CALIFORNIA (TICKER) —Junior guard Temeka Johnson, who has two broken bones in her face, will attempt to lead top-seeded Louisiana State University over fifth-seeded Louisiana Tech in a battle of the Bayou in the West Region semifinals Sunday at Maples Pavilion.

Johnson, named the Southeastern Conference Tournament’s MVP earlier this month, sustained a fractured nasal and orbital bone in Tuesday’s 80-69 second-round win over Wisconsin-Green Bay.

The 5-3 New Orleans native had eight points, four rebounds and seven assists before taking an elbow to the right side of her face early in the second half of Tuesday’s win.

Johnson has started in all 32 games this season for the Tigers, averaging 10.1 points, 5.7 assists and 3.4 rebounds.

Doneeka Hodges scored 20 points, hitting four straight free throws in the final minute to secure the win, as LSU shot an NCAA Tournament-record 64 percent (31-for-49) from the floor en route to its first “Sweet 16” apperance since 2000.

The Lady Tigers have advanced only twice in six tries to the “Elite 8” with three of their four losses to Louisiana Tech.

Despite entering as the lower seed, the Lady Techsters are cruising with the nation’s longest active winning streak of 29 straight wins.

Senior center Cheryl Ford scored 25 points and pulled down 15 boards in a 74-65 triumph over Ohio State on Wednesday, improving her team’s second-round NCAA tournament record to 15-0.

Trina Friersin scored 18 points and Amber Obaze had 17 and five assists for the Lady Techsters, who held their opponent to just 24 percent shooting.

Louisiana Tech is 16-2 all-time in the NCAA regional semifinals, including three straight wins.