What does the future hold for the Techsters?

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Louisiana Tech's 2015-2016 season was best summed up in 45 minutes Wednesday night at Bartow Arena.

There were missed layups. There were missed box outs. There were turnovers. There were missed free throws, including one in the final seconds that could have sent Rice packing in the second round of the Conference USA Tournament.

The mistakes piled up, as they had done during the final month of the season, and the Lady Techsters ended their season losers of seven of their final nine games.

"With only four returners, we knew it was going to be hard to keep them motivated and consistent for a long season," Tech coach Tyler Summitt said after the 72-67 overtime loss to Rice. "Unfortunately, that's what happened. We did not finish strong. We were in a position where we could have stayed in fourth place."

Summitt pointed to all the newcomers, like the high school players, transfers or junior college transfers who weren't prepared for the long season.

At one point, Tech sat at 12-9 overall and 7-3 in the league after a Feb. 6 win over North Texas. Then the wheels fell off after the Techsters took a step back with a 14-16 finish compared to Summitt's first-year mark of 16-15.

So what does the future hold?

Techsters sent packing early in C-USA tourney

"It's all about getting better one game at a time, one year at a time and eventually we want to be competing for championships in this tournament," Summitt said. "That's the goal. If we keep improving, keep recruiting, I know this program can do that."

Summitt has said all along that his mentors tell him a culture change usually starts to rear its head by year three. That's next year when the Techsters will need to show more tangible progress.

Tech loses just two seniors in Brandi Wingate and Brooke Pumroy.

Wingate was an enigma during her time at Tech as the Techsters' best player but also one who struggled to stay on the court either for academic of behavior issues. On Wednesday, she was absent due to grades.

Pumroy played just one year for Tech after transferring from Marquette and become one of the Techsters' top outside threats and primary ball-handler.

"I think we have a bright future ahead of us, to be completely honest with you," she said. "Our freshmen are very driven and willing to get better."

That leaves more than 10 potential returners next year with the addition of at least three signees. Tech signed guards Anna McLeod and Jaida Roper and center Jaiden McCoy last November, and Summitt said Wednesday the Techsters will "sign a couple more probably."

The Techsters also get the services of forward Alexus Malone, who sat out this year after transferring from Buffalo.

Buffalo transfer Alexus Malone signs with Techsters

"Excited to have more than three scholarship returners coming back for next year. Should get a foundation," Summitt said.

"We should be able to use this year as a learning lesson to control our own destiny for most of the conference being in fourth place to get the double bye, we should learn from it and learn that everything matters and we can look back and pinpoint how we let (games go). This year, it was a struggle to stay motivated and remember every game matters."

Of the new additions, the 6-foot-3 McCoy is a potential replacement down low for Wingate, and McLeod, who has practiced with the team since the winter, may end up being the Techsters' best 3-point shooter.

Tech's top returner comes via Ashley Santos, who averaged 9.6 points per game this year. Summitt also mentioned the development of freshmen Reauan Cleaver and Kierra Anthony and their outlook going forward.

"With this team, it was a lot about making sure we were improving," Summitt said. "Reauna Cleaver, very much improved. Kierra Anthony, a little up and down but you can see the good moments from time to time. Was disappointed in her tonight, but again, at least she knows what we need from here."