After building H.O. West Fieldhouse into one of the best home court advantages in the American Southwest Conference, the Louisiana College women's basketball team seems to have lost that edge.
 
For the second time this season, and only the third time in the Jason Tinsley era that began in 2010, the Lady Cats fell at home – dropping an 81-71 decision to LeTourneau Thursday night.
 
LeTourneau came into the game just 6-8 overall and 4-7 in the ASC, but looked the hungrier team, especially in the final 10 minutes of the second half, as they sent the Wildcats to their fifth loss of the season. LC is now 10-5 overall and 8-4 in the ASC.
 
Several factors led to the Wildcats' demise. LC had another rough shooting night – making just 33-percent of their shots for the game (23-of-69) and just 28-percent in the second half. Additionally, LC made just 8-of-35 3-point shots (23-percent) for the game. By comparison, LeTourneau hit 31of their 62 shots (50-pecent). The Wildcats even struggled from the free throw line. LC made just 59-percent of its free throws (17-for-29) for the game
 
Secondly, the Wildcats were dominated on the boards. LeTourneau finished with a 50-37 advantage for the game, but that number was even more lopsided, 28-14, in the second half.
 
Finally, the Wildcats had a difficult time matching LeTourneau's size and athleticism in the paint. The Yellow Jackets outscored LC 42-20 in the paint with 6-foot sophomore Ashley Stephens scoring 16 points and 6-1 senior Julencia Curtis adding 9 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out with 4:03 to play. By that time, the Yellow Jackets had built a six point lead and LC would get no closer.
 
LC was led in scoring by junior forward Kaci Willis who finished with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 steals. Freshman Natosha Morvant also finished with 16 points and 7 rebounds.
 
The Lady Wildcats will look to bounce back Saturday when they host East Texas Baptist at 1 p.m. at H.O. West. It was last season with the Tigers ended LC's 45-game home court winning streak with a 64-60 overtime victory. ETBU has struggled this season with a record of 4-8 in the ASC and 6-9 overall.