Long layoff not a boon for Trojans The UALR women’s eightday layoff between games for semester exams is great for academics, but couldn’t come at a worse time as the Trojans hope to hit a peak in time for Sun Belt Conference play.

“Having this much time off definitely hurts, especially because we’re coming off a week where we played three games and we were starting to play pretty well,” UALR Coach Joe Foley said. “We had some momentum but we’re going to have to start all over with two games on the road.” UALR (5-2 ), which was the preseason pick to win the SBC’s West Division, has a ways to go to be in championship form, according to Foley.

“We’re playing great defense, but we’re not close to being where we need to be offensively,” Foley said. “We’re behind where we were at this point last year, but that’s because we had [UALR career-leading scorer ] Jocelyn Love in the lineup. With the freshmen learning the new system, it’s going to take some time with this team.” Home sweet home There is no disputing UALR raises its game when it plays at the Jack Stephens Center.

The Trojans are 16-1 overall at home and their only loss at the Jack Stephens Center came in a 56-53 defeat against Lousiana-Monroe on Dec. 18, 2005.

The Trojans have beaten four opponents this season at home by an average margin of 28. 5 points.

“A young ball club, especially, plays well at home because they’re in their own environment and feel more comfortable,” Foley said. “We don’t play very well on the road sometimes, but I’m pleased that our home crowd gets to see us play well. Taking care of things at home is what it’s all about.” Keys proving value Senior forward Andrea Keys normally doesn’t stick out a great deal in the final statistics box, but she is proving to be invaluable for the Lady Trojans in the post.

Keys, who has started the last three games, has averaged 8. 0 rebounds this season. With Keys as a starter, UALR is 3-0 and has beaten opponents by an average margin of 15. 3 points. “Andrea’s our workhorse,” Foley said. “She doesn’t try to do anything she’s not capable of but will get a double-double every few games, gets to the rim and makes her free throws. “ She’s played great defensively and has taken the pressure off Nikya [Hughes ]. Andrea does what we ask her to do and always has. She’s the ultimate team player.” Up next Sam Houston State, which will play host to the Trojans on Sunday in Houston, should be a welcome road test for the Trojans. The Lady Bearkats (1-8 ) have lost by an average margin of 25. 9 points per game and are coming off an 89-62 loss at home Tuesday versus Arkansas. In two games against Sun Belt competition, Sam Houston is 0-2 by an average margin of 18 points.