USC Women Play Host to Unbeaten Louisiana Tech

USC forward Cheryl Miller, the nation’s second-leading scorer and rebounder, has been sick most of the week, but will start today when the eighth-ranked Trojans meet fourth-ranked Louisiana Tech in a nonconference women’s basketball game at 3:30 at the Sports Arena.

Miller, who is averaging 26.6 points and 16.9 rebounds a game, said Friday that she’s still not sure what has caused her illness. She said she feels well enough to play, however.

Miller had blood tests taken Tuesday and Wednesday and returned to practice Friday. She was scheduled to attend the NCAA Spotlight on Women’s Basketball press conference Thursday in New York, but instead teammate Rhonda Windham went with Coach Linda Sharp.

Louisiana Tech is undefeated (16-0), but has played only one team in the top 20 this season. The Lady Techsters beat fourth-ranked Northeast Louisiana in overtime Tuesday night, 79-77.

Tech is led by 5-7 senior guard Pam Gant, an excellent outside shooter who is averaging 23 points a game. Louisiana Tech also has a big front line with 6-4 center Tori Harrison, who is averaging 14 points, and 6-3 forward Stacey Davis, who is averaging 10.

USC freshman center Cyndie Thomas, whose knee injury has kept her out of the lineup for a month, dressed for last Saturday’s game against Cal State Fullerton but did not play. She may play today as the Trojans try to improve their 11-3 record.

In Western Collegiate Athletic Assn. play, third-ranked Cal State Long Beach will travel to Arizona State tonight, and UCLA will be at Arizona. USC will resume WCAA play Monday night against San Diego State.