Louisiana Women's Basketball will officially open the 2020-21 season on Friday, Dec. 4, when it welcomes Conference USA foe North Texas to the CAJUNDOME. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6 p.m.
Friday's contest will mark the program's latest season opener since the 1993-94 campaign, when the team opened the year at TCU on Dec. 1, 1993.
The Cajuns have high expectations this season after being picked to finish fourth overall and second in the West Division in the 2020-21 Sun Belt Conference Preseason Coaches Poll.
Last year, the team finished the year 19-11 overall and 10-8 league play, finishing fourth in the standings and advancing to the Sun Belt Tournament semifinals before the event was canceled due to COVID-19.
Louisiana will look to Ty'Reona Doucet and Brandi Williams to once again pace the team's attack. Doucet, who was named to the Sun Belt Preseason All Conference First Team, led the team in scoring (12.6 ppg) and rebounding (7.6 rpg) while amassing 39 blocks, tied for the seventh most in a single season in program history.
Williams, who was tabbed Third Team Preseason All-Conference, ranked second on the team in scoring average (11.7 ppg) in her 29 appearances, while leading the team in 3-pointers made (41), free throws made (107) and average minutes played (30.8).
The squad has a host of other returners that will continue to give the team valuable minutes this year, including Kim Burton, Jomyra Mathis and Skyler Goodwin. The trio joined Doucet and Williams to round out the program's top five scorers a season ago.
North Texas (1-1, 0-0 CUSA) has already played twice this season, earning a 87-71 home win over Tarleton before falling at Texas, 106-69. Quincy Noble leads the team in scoring, averaging 14.5 points in the two games, while N'Yah Boyd joins her in double figures at 12.0 points per contest.
Friday will mark the 38th meeting between the two programs, with North Texas leading the all-time series, 20-17. The teams last played on Dec. 7, 2019, with the Mean Green taking a 69-66 decision in Denton.
The CAJUNDOME will operate at a significantly reduced capacity for the 2020-21 season (unless state policy changes during the season). This will allow for fans and University students to be accommodated this season.
Should disruptions or modifications to the 2020-21 season occur due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Athletics will quickly communicate the adjustments through its social media channels and RaginCajuns.com. Additionally, the department will communicate any changes to specific entry and attendance protocols for home games.
To celebrate the program's 50th season, fans can purchase season tickets at the $50 price point season tickets by visiting RaginCajuns.com/WBBTix and will also be able to enjoy in honor of the special season.
For more information on Women's Basketball tickets, fans can call the Louisiana Athletics Ticket Office at (337) 265-2170.