Texas Tech University Athletics
Lady Raiders Square Off With Cyclones
January 13, 2004 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 13, 2004
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#1/2 Texas Tech Lady Raiders (15-0/1-0 Big 12)
vs.
Iowa State Cyclones (7-5/0-1 Big 12)
January 14, 2004 * Ames, Iowa * 7 p.m.
Television - Red Raider Sports Network - UPN Lubbock
James H. Hilton Coliseum (14,092)
Wednesday's Game
No. 1/2 Texas Tech travels to Iowa State Wednesday, Jan. 14 for a 7 p.m. game at Hilton Coliseum. The game will be televised on the Red Raider Sports Network, which will air in Lubbock on UPN, with play-by-play by Vinnie Vinzetta and color commentary by Crystal Boles. The game can be heard on the All Sports Radio Network as Ryan Hyatt calls the game.
The Lady Raiders
Texas Tech is 15-0 overall and 1-0 in the Big 12 after beating Oklahoma State, 106-43, last Saturday. On the year, senior Jia Perkins leads the team in scoring with a 16.9 average followed by freshman Alesha Robertson at 10.6. Senior Casey Jackson is the top rebounder, grabbing 7.1 boards per outing. Sophomore Jametra Clark is shooting 55.7 percent from the field, while Perkins is shooting 50.7 percent. Robertson is shooting 46.9 percent from the three-point arc. Sophomore Erin Grant has a team-high 101 assists, while Perkins leads the team in steals with 34. Junior Cisti Greenwalt is the top shot blocker with 30 blocks. The Lady Raiders are shooting 46.5 percent from the field, 39.3 percent from three-point range and 72.9 percent from the free throw line.
Scouting the Opponent
Iowa State enters the game with a 7-5 overall record and 0-1 in the Big 12 after falling to Nebraska, 62-57, last Saturday in Lincoln. In that game, junior Anne O'Neil scored a game-high 18 points while junior Lisa Kriener added 16. Sophomore Brittany Wilkins recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Junior Mary Fox also chipped in 12 rebounds. O'Neil collected four assists and three steals, while Wilkins had four blocks.
On the year, O'Neil paces the Cyclones in scoring with a 13.4 average followed by Kriener at 10.9. Kriener is the top rebounder as she is averaging 6.6 boards per outing. O'Neil has team highs of 58 assists and 23 steals. Wilkins is the top shot blocker with 15 blocks. ISU is shooting 44.2 percent from the field, 34.9 percent from the three-point arc and 75.6 percent from the charity stripe.
Bill Fennelly is in his ninth year at the helm of the Cyclones establishing a record of 181-80. He is also in his 16th year as a head coach with a career record of 347-133.
Series Record
Texas Tech holds a 6-3 advantage over Iowa State after beating the Cyclones, 70-48, last year in Lubbock on Feb. 9. Tech is 1-2 in Ames. The Lady Raiders got their first win in Ames the last time they played in Hilton Coliseum Jan. 19, 2002 with a 78-66 victory. The last time ISU won was in a 73-62 triumph March 8, 2001 in the semifinals of the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City, Mo.
Last Time vs. ISU
Feb. 9, 2003 - Texas Tech's Jia Perkins scored a game-high 19 points in leading the No. 7/8 Lady Raiders to a 70-48 victory over Iowa State in Lubbock. Plenette Pierson and Miklannet Tennal each added 12 points for Tech. Pierson and Erin Grant had six rebounds apiece, while Perkins dished out four assists. The Cyclones were led by Lindsay Wilson who scored 17 points. Lisa Kriener added 10 points. Tech shot 47.4 percent from the field, while ISU shot 38.8 percent.
Last Time Out
(AP) - Natalie Ritchie scored a career-high 27 points and made a school-record eight 3-pointers to lead No. 2 Texas Tech over Oklahoma State 106-43 Saturday night.
Ritchie's final 3-pointer, with 7:10 remaining, gave Tech (15-0, 1-0 Big 12) an 88-38 lead.
The Lady Raiders scored 29 straight points in the first half to go up 33-4 and led 54-14 at halftime. Oklahoma State (6-7, 1-1) got no closer than 40 points after that.
Jia Perkins added 21 points for the Lady Raiders, while Jametra Clark and Alesha Robertson scored 15 each.
Trisha Skibbe and Christian Hood led the Cowgirls with 13 points each. Eliz Gomes finished with 11.
Tech set a school record with 14 3-pointers.
Ritchie connected on 10 consecutive 3-pointers dating to the Lady Raiders' last game, but her streak ended midway through the second half when she had an attempt blocked. She finished 8-of-10.
A 3-pointer by Robertson with 4:32 left established the team record, breaking the previous mark of 12.
Tech's Erin Grant also matched her career high with 14 assists.
Tech's largest lead was 63, on two occasions, the last with 16.8 seconds left on two free throws by Brooke Baughman.
A Look Ahead
Texas Tech returns home for a game with Baylor Jan. 17 at 5 p.m. on Fox Sports Net. Tech will host Nebraska Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. on the Red Raider Sports Network. The Lady Raiders will travel to Oklahoma State Jan. 24 for a 2 p.m. contest and then host Texas A&M on Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. The game against the Aggies will be televised on the Red Raider Sports Network.
Lady Raider Head Coach Marsha Sharp
One of the most respected and well-known coaches in Texas Tech history, Hall of Fame head coach Marsha Sharp is 523-159 in her 22nd year at the helm of the Lady Raiders. She has led the Lady Raiders to 16 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 14 consecutive, and 10 NCAA Sweet 16 and four Elite Eight appearances and the NCAA National Championship in 1993. Sharp led the Lady Raiders to three-straight Big 12 Conference regular-season titles (1998-2000) and two tournament crowns (1998, 1999). While in the SWC, coach Sharp and the Lady Raiders never finished below third, they won or shared the last five championships, and they captured three Post-Season Classic titles. A 1974 graduate of Wayland Baptist University, Sharp was named the National Coach of the Year in 1993 and 1994. She also reaped SWC Coach of the Year honors seven times, five consecutively. In May 2003, she was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.
First to No. 1
Texas Tech became the first Big 12 school to be ranked No. 1 in the country since the inception of the league in 1996-97. The Lady Raiders topped the USA Today/ESPN/WBCA Coaches' Poll on Jan. 6. It marks the first time the Lady Raiders have been ranked No. 1 during the regular season and only their second ever as they were first in the final coaches poll after winning the National Championship in 1993. Tech is ranked No. 2 in this week's Associated Press top 25 poll.
NCAA Stats
As of games through Jan. 12, Texas Tech ranks first in scoring defense at 48.3, first in field goal percentage defense at 31.2, first in rebound margin at 13.7, first in won-lost percentage at 100.0, second in scoring margin at 31.6, seventh in scoring offense at 79.9, seventh in turnovers per game at 13.4, 10th in blocked shots per game at 5.9, 11th in assists per game at 19.0 and 19th in field goal percentage at 46.5, among all NCAA Division I teams. Sophomore Erin Grant ranks 10th in assists per game at 6.7 among all NCAA Division I players.
Best Start in School History
Texas Tech is 15-0 and off to its best start in school history. The previous best start was when the Lady Raiders went 10-0 in 1999-2000 before falling at Iowa State, 62-37, Jan. 2, 2000.
Winning Percentage By Class
The senior class has a record of 89-25 (.781) overall and 35-14 (.714) in Big 12 regular-season play. The junior class, which consists of just one player - Cisti Greenwalt is 64-18 (.780) and 22-11 (.667) in the league. The sophomores post a 44-6 (.880) mark and 14-3 (.824) in the conference. The freshmen are 14-0 this season.
Looking for Another Banner
Since the 1997-98 season, the Lady Raiders have hung at least one Big 12 Conference championship banner and/or an NCAA Sweet 16 or Elite Eight from the rafters each year. During that time, Tech has seen two NCAA Elite Eight banners, three NCAA Sweet 16 banners, three Big 12 regular-season champion banners, two Big 12 Tournament champion banners and a 2003 Marsha Sharp Women's Basketball Hall of Fame banner.
Lady Raiders Win Third Title
Texas Tech won its third tournament title of the season when it captured the Surf 'N Slam San Diego Hoop Classic on Dec. 30. The Lady Raiders also won the Preseason WNIT and the SMU Hoops for the Cure Tournament.
Tech vs. the Top 25
Texas Tech is 4-0 this year against teams ranked in the top 25. The Lady Raiders beat No. 18/18 UC Santa Barbara, No. 15/15 Rutgers, No. 24 Washington and No. 7/7 Stanford.
Largest Margin of Victory in Almost 18 Years
Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma State 106-43, a margin of 63 points, which was the largest margin of victory of the season and it's biggest since beating Hawaii Pacific, 114-48, Dec. 7, 1985.
Ritchie Scores Career High, Sets Three-Point Record
Senior Natalie Ritchie scored a career-high 27 points against OSU. She hit a school record eight three-pointers. On the night she was 9-for-11 from the field, 8-for-10 from three-point range and 1-for-1 from the free throw line.
Team Sets Three-Point Mark
The Lady Raiders sank 14 three-pointers against OSU, which was a school record. Their previous record was 12 at Iowa State Jan. 19, 2002. Tech was 14-of-18 from three-point range for 77.8 percent.
Everyone Scores, Tech Bench Outscores OSU
All 11 active players scored against Oklahoma State. Tech was led by senior Natalie Ritchie who had a game-high 27 points followed by senior Jia Perkins with 21 and sophomore Jametra Clark and freshman Alesha Robertson with 15 points apiece. Tech's bench combined for 45 points to outscore OSU, who had 43 points for the game.
Grant Dishes Out, Ties Career High, Cracks Top 10
Sophomore Erin Grant tied her career-high 14 assists against the Cowgirls. Grant had 14 assists against Washington last season. Grant ranks 10th on Tech's all-time list for assists with 329.
Season High FG Percentage
The Lady Raiders shot a season-high 61.7 percent from the field against OSU. Tech was 37-of-60 from the field.
Packed House
Against Oklahoma State, Texas Tech had its fourth sellout crowd (15,050) since the United Spirit Arena opened in Nov. 1999. It was the first sell out of the season. Tech sold out last year against Texas on March 2.
100 Points, Again
Texas Tech scored 106 points in its victory over Oklahoma State Jan. 10. It marked the second time this season Tech had scored at least 100 points. The Lady Raiders scored 100 against Pacific Dec. 8. The 2003-04 season is the first time Tech has scored 100-plus points more than once in the same season since the 1994-95 season. It is also the 10th season Tech has accomplishment that feat. During the 1992-93 season, Tech scored 100 or more points on six occasions, which is the most of any Lady Raider season.
Clark Ups Average
Sophomore Jametra Clark has averaged 15.2 points per game over the last five contests. Clark had averaged 7.1 points per outing in the 10 games prior to the last five. Her playing minutes have increased from 13.9 minutes the first 10 games to 23.4 the four games.
Puttin' Up the Points
The Lady Raiders have scored 95 points in their last two victories. Tech beat San Diego 95-47 and Pepperdine 95-53. The Lady Raiders have scored 90 or more points three times this season. They wrapped up non-conference play averaging 29.4 more points than their opponents.
Perkins, Clark Named to All-Tournament Team
Senior Jia Perkins was named the Most Valuable Player of the Surf 'N Slam San Diego Hoop Classic while sophomore Jametra Clark was named to the all-tournament team.
Second Double-Double for Greenwalt
Junior Cisti Greenwalt recorded her second double-double against San Diego with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Greenwalt also added four blocks on the night.
Career High for Clark
Sophomore Jametra Clark scored a career-high 18 points in 30 minutes of play against Maryland. Clark also dished out a career-high three assists while matching her season high of six rebounds.
Robertson Big 12 Rookie of the Week
Freshman Alesha Robertson was named the Big 12 Rookie of the Week Dec. 22. Robertson averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds the week of Dec. 15-21 in helping Texas Tech to wins over two top 25 teams, at No. 24 Washington and at home vs. No. 7 Stanford.
First Start and Career Day for Robertson
Freshman Alesha Robertson made her first collegiate start against Stanford and recorded a career-high 18 points, a then career-high six rebounds and a career-high three steals in 28 minutes of play.
Please Take a Seat
Texas Tech had 14,674 fans in attendance at the Stanford game which was then the fifth largest home crowd in school history. It moved to sixth after Tech had a sellout against Oklahoma State Jan. 10.
First to 10
Texas Tech was the first top 25 team to claim 10 victories in 2003 after beating Washington Dec. 19.
Jackson, Greenwalt Record Get Double-Double at Washington
Senior Casey Jackson and junior Cisti Greenwalt both finished with double-doubles at Washington, which was the first time this season Texas Tech has had two players record double-doubles in the same game. Jackson had 10 points and a game-high 16 rebounds, while Greenwalt had season highs of 15 points and 11 boards. It was the third double-double for Jackson this season and the first for Greenwalt.
Dabbs Has Career Game
Sophomore Chesley Dabbs recorded career highs of 18 points, six rebounds and five assists against Pacific. Dabbs came off the bench to play 21 minutes.
Bench Does It Again
In back-to-back games, Texas Tech's bench combined for 50 or more points. In the win over Wyoming the subs combined for 50 points as four of the six players scored in double figures led by sophomore LaToya Davis' game-high 14 points. Junior Cisti Greenwalt and freshman Alesha Robertson each added 11, while sophomore Chesley Dabbs chipped in 10. Greenwalt also finished with game highs of eight rebounds and six blocks. In the victory against Pacific, they combined for 58 points led by a career-high 18 points by Dabbs. Also scoring in double figures were Robertson with 11, while Greenwalt and sophomore Jametra Clark each added 10.
Greenwalt, Ritchie Move Up the Charts
Junior Cisti Greenwalt is now third in career blocks with 168. Standing in second is Carolyn Thompson (1980-84) with 174 career blocks. Senior Natalie Ritchie moved to fourth on Tech's all-time list for three-point field goals made with 182. Former standout and current Tech assistant Krista (Kirkland) Gerlich (1989-93) is in third with 220.
Tech Ties Fewest Points Allowed
Texas Tech held Wyoming to 26 points Dec. 6, which tied the school record for fewest points scored by an opponent. McMurry had scored 26 points on Feb. 24, 1978.
Perkins Passes Swoopes
Senior Jia Perkins passed Sheryl Swoopes (1991-93) on Tech's all-time scoring list. Perkins currently stands fourth on the list with 1,757 career points. Swoopes had 1,645 during her time as a Lady Raider. Standing in third is Michi Atkins (1992-96) with 2,134 points. Carolyn Thompson (1980-84) holds the school record for most career points with 2,655, while Alicia Thompson (1994-98) is second with 2,156.
Senior Leadership
Texas Tech held on to claim a seven-point victory over California and a big reason was the play of three seniors. Jia Perkins, Casey Jackson and Natalie Ritchie combined to score 60 of Tech's 76 points. They connected on 25 of their combined 37 shot attempts for a 68 percent shooting percentage from the field. Perkins scored a season-high 29 points in the game.
Tech Holds SMU to Record-Low Shooting Percentage
Texas Tech held SMU to just 16.9 percent from the field, which set a school record for lowest shooting percentage by an opponent. The Mustangs hit just 11 of 65 shot attempts in the game. The previous school record was 17.6 percent (12-of-68) by Southwest Texas State on Jan. 1, 1993.
Johnson, Flowers to Redshirt
Freshman Enrica Johnson had meniscus repair done to her right knee on Dec. 17 and will redshirt this season. She joins freshman Tawanna Flowers who is redshirting after suffering a navicular fracture in her right foot during her senior season and is currently rehabbing the injury.
On the Tube
The Lady Raiders will make six national or regional television appearances in regular-season play this season. Texas Tech will appear on ESPN2 once and Fox Sports Net four times. On Fox Sports Net, Tech played Stanford (Dec. 21) and will play Baylor (Jan. 17), at Texas (Feb. 1) and at Baylor (Feb. 8). Tech played at Washington (Dec. 19) on Fox Sports Northwest/Southwest. On Feb. 22, the Lady Raiders will play Texas on ESPN2. Tech will also have 11 games broadcasted on the local Red Raider Sports Network.
Perkins, Grant Among the Best at Their Positions
Senior Jia Perkins was named one of the top five off-guards in the country by ESPN.com, while sophomore Erin Grant was selected as one of the top five point guards. Joining Perkins on the list were Alana Beard (Duke), Kelly Mazzante (Penn State), Diana Taurasi (Connecticut) and Lindsay Whalen (Minnesota). Along with Grant, Jamie Carey (Texas), Temeka Johnson (LSU), Cappie Pondexter (Rutgers) and Erika Valek (Purdue) made up the top five selections.
Lady Raiders in the Polls
Since January 20, 1992, the Lady Raiders have been ranked in the Top 25 in the Associated Press and/or the USA Today poll a total of 222 weeks. That includes the Jan. 12 polls in which Tech is ranked first in the USA Today/ESPN/WBCA Coaches' Poll and second in the AP poll.
Follow the Lady Raiders
All Lady Raider basketball games can be heard live on the All Sports Radio Network on KFYO-AM 790 and KKCL-FM 98.1 locally. Listen to play-by-play by Ryan Hyatt as he takes the court with the Lady Raiders.
Lady Basketball with Marsha Sharp
Lady Raider Basketball with Marsha Sharp is televised every Sunday. The show airs on Fox 34 at 9:30 p.m. The show also airs on UPN Lubbock at 10:30 p.m. The Marsha Sharp Radio Show
The Marsha Sharp Radio Show is held each Monday from 6-7 p.m. at the United Spirit Arena in the City Bank conference rooms located on the south end concourse. The show will air on KFYO-AM 790 and KKCL-FM 98.1 locally. The shows on Jan. 19 and 26 will be at Jones SBC Stadium Club. The show will return to the United Spirit Arena on Feb. 2.
Wade Watch
Senior Jia Perkins was one of 35 players selected as a preseason candidate for the State Farm Wade Trophy/Division I Player of the Year Award by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association.
Perkins Preseason Wooden Award and Naismith Candidate
Senior Jia Perkins was named to the John R. Wooden Preseason All-America team and was one of 30 players chosen as a candidate for the John R. Wooden Award, which will be presented annually to the most outstanding female collegiate basketball player. She is also one of 30 preseason candidates for the Naismith Player of the Year Award.
