Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Athletes First
Texas Tech 83 - Athletes First 68
November 12, 2001 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 11, 2001
Lubbock - The Red Raiders closed out their final exhibition game on Sunday with an 83-68 victory over Athletes First. After the first half, Coach Knight changed his strategy, letting his team play a "real game" at United Spirit Arena.
Andre Emmett led the way with a game-high 23 points, including 15 after halftime. At the post-game press conference Coach Knight noted, "We decided to play in the second half for the first time this year. The second half was the best of the four we have played this season."
After a one point Raider halftime lead, Athletes First called a timeout at 18:38 after Texas Tech scored the first 4 points in the second half. As the second half progressed, Coach Vick's team managed to tie the score three times.
With 11 minutes, 32 seconds left in the game, Coach Knight took a timeout with Tech in the lead, 53-49, to talk about their offense.
"He called timeout and got on us about executing our offense," Tech junior forward Kasib Powell said. "Then after that, we just kind of listened to what he said and did all the sets he gave us and just kind of ran our offense. We got good easy shots, and that's why I think we shot better in the second half."
Tech outscored Athletes First 30-14 over the next 10 minutes, taking advantage of a more regular substitution rotation and an offense that seemed to find a groove.
The Red Raiders set better screens and found better shots in the second half to boost an offense that didn't need two usual staples of scoring: 3-point baskets and free throws.
Tech scored 50 points in the second half despite two second-half 3-pointers and two second-half free throws made. Most of the damage was done in the lane, where Tech outscored its opponent 32-6 after halftime and 50-18 overall.
Emmett, the sophomore guard, hit the spot most often and finished with 11-for-14 shooting.
"They ran enough screens to last a lifetime for us," Athletes First head coach Gary Vick said. "As soon as they learn Coach Knight's system, they're going to hold their own in the Big 12."
Center Andy Ellis, Emmett, Powell, point guard Will Chavis and freshman defensive specialist Ronald Ross started the game in the team's new white uniforms before being subbed out of it after the first 5:28. In the second half, they played more regularly, like a "real game," and finished with the team's most minutes.
"We have not played as well in these two games as we play in practice," Knight said. "We just haven't. That's something we have to try to get to. We need to execute better in practice than we do in games. Our biggest area of improvement is not a skill area, it's concentration. How much we improve in concentration will determine how well eventually we're able to play."
The FORD Red Raider Classic begins this Friday as Texas Tech plays host to William and Mary in the first game. Tip off will begin at 7:00 p.m. and San Diego State will face Northern Iowa at 9:15 p.m. Tickets are available for lower level reserved seating as well as general admission.
