Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Hosts World Vision Classic
November 24, 2010 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 24, 2010
World Vision Classic Gamenotes 
Upcoming Promotions
Charleston Southern • Nov. 26; American • Nov. 27; Sam Houston State • Nov. 28
•Football Ticket Offer - Show your Houston football ticket for a special $5 rate.
•Four for $20 - Thanksgiving Gift (4 Tix 4 only $20).
•Church Bulletin Offer - Show your church bulletin for a special $5 rate (Sunday, Nov. 28 only).
•Guns Up Club Members - Free admission.
WORLD VISION CLASSIC • United Spirit Arena • Lubbock, Texas
Texas Tech (4-0) vs. Charleston Southern (3-1) • Fri., Nov. 26 • 6 p.m.
Texas Tech (4-0) vs. American (2-2) • Sat., Nov. 27 • 12 p.m.
Texas Tech (4-0) vs. Sam Houston State (3-1) • Sun., Nov. 28 • 2 p.m.
The Games
For the third time in four years, Texas Tech (4-0) hosts a Basketball Travelers three-day tournament the weekend after Thanksgiving. On Fri., Nov. 26, Tech plays Charleston Southern (2-1) at 6 p.m. followed by American (2-2) and Sam Houston State (3-1). On Sat., Nov. 27, Tech faces American at 12 p.m. followed by Sam Houston State and Charleston Southern. On Sun., Nov. 28, Charleston Southern takes on American at 12 p.m. followed by Tech and Sam Houston State at approximately 2:30 p.m.
On the Air
The Texas Tech games can be heard on the radio on the Texas Tech Sports Network as Steve Strain and Crystal Boles call the game. The Lady Raider games can also be heard on the internet at www.texastech.com through RaiderVision All Access. Live streaming is also available through RaiderVision All Access and live stats are available through GameTracker at www.texastech.com.
The Lady Raiders
Texas Tech is 4-0 after trouncing Mississippi Valley State, 73-28, on Tuesday. On the year, junior Kierra Mallard paces the team in scoring with a 13.8 average followed by sophomore Casey Morris at 11.5 and senior Teena Wickett at 10.5. Wickett is the top rebounder, grabbing 8.3 boards per outing. Mallard is shooting 44.9 percent from the field. Sophomore Mary Bokenkamp is shooting a team-best 53.8 percent from behind the arc. Mallard has a team-high 90.9 percent from the free throw line. Wickett leads the team in assists with 15, while sophomore Monique Smalls has a team-high 15 steals. Mallard is the top shot blocker with five blocks. Tech is shooting 39.3 percent from the field, 32.8 percent from three-point range and 69.3 percent from the charity stripe.
The Opponents
Charleston Southern comes to Lubbock with a 3-1 record after beating UNC Greensboro, 77-67, on Tuesday night in Charleston. On the year, senior Katie Tull leads the Buccaneers in with a 16.8 scoring average followed by senior Kelsey Wasmer at 15.0, sophomore Lakeitha Alston at 13.5 and sophomore Helen Terry at 10.5. Wasmer is grabbing a team-high 9.3 rebounds per game. Terry has team highs of 15 assists and 14 steals. Tull leads the team in blocks with four. Charleston Southern is shooting 41.5 percent from the field, 30.5 percent from the three-point arc and 63.5 percent from the charity stripe.
American enters the tournament with a 2-2 record after losing its last game at Maryland, 78-52, on Nov. 21. On the year, senior Michelle Kirk paces the Eagles in scoring with a 13.8 average followed by junior Lisa Strack at 11.0 and senior Liz Leer at 10.5. Leer is the top rebounder, grabbing 8.5 boards per contest. Leer also has a team-high 11 assists, while junior Ebony Edwards leads the team in steals with 11. Sophomore Stephanie Anya is the top shot blocker with six blocks. American is shooting 38.3 percent from the field, 34.7 percent from the three-point arc and 74.4 percent from the free throw line.
Sam Houston State begins the weekend with a 3-1 record after defeating North Texas, 90-76, on Tuesday in Huntsville. On the year, a pair of sophomores pace the Bearkats in scoring as Chanice Smith is averaging 14.5 points per game and Britni Martin is at 13.5. Sophomore Sequeena Thomas is averaging a team-high 6.7 rebounds per outing. Martin leads the team in assist with 19 and junior Khamra Echols has a team-high eight steals. Thomas is the top shot blocker with two blocks. Sam Houston State is shooting 43.1 percent from the field, 35.4 percent from behind the three-point line and 74.7 percent from the free throw line.
The Series
Charleston Southern ~ Texas Tech and Charleston Southern are meeting for the first time on Friday.
American ~ It is the first contest between Texas Tech and American.
Sam Houston State ~ Texas Tech and Sam Houston State are playing for the fifth time in the series and the second time in two years and the third time in four years. The Lady Raiders have won all four previous games, including last year's 91-52 triumph in Tech's season opener on Nov. 14 in Lubbock.
The Coaches
Texas Tech head coach Kristy Curry is in her fifth season at the helm of the Lady Raiders. Curry has compiled a record of 70-62 at Tech and a career record of 249-113 in 12 years. Julie Goodenough is in her fifth year as head coach at Charleston Southern with a record of 50-75. She is also in her 16th year as a head coach with a career record of 261-185. Matt Corkery is in his third year leading the Eagles with a career record of 43-24. Brenda Welch-Nichols is in her fifth year at the helm of the Bearkats with a record of 29-91. She is in her 16th as a head coach with a career record of 161-239.
The Last Time Out
The Texas Tech women's basketball team improved to 4-0 on the short season with a 73-28 victory over Mississippi Valley State. Tech (4-0) dominated from the opening tip as it went on a 26-4 run the first 10 minutes of the game. The Lady Raiders held Mississippi Valley State (1-3) scoreless for five minutes during that span. The Lady Raiders jumped out to a 32-11 lead with just over six minutes to go in the half when Monique Smalls nailed a 12-foot jumper. The Devilettes scored their last basket of the half at 4:16 as Tech outscored them 8-0 in the final four minutes. The Lady Raiders' largest lead in the first period came with 48 seconds left as Kelsi Baker hit two free throws to give Tech a 28-point advantage, 42-14, going into the locker room at the half. The second half was much like the first half as the Lady Raiders allowed MVSU just four points the first 10 minutes. The Devilettes were scoreless for four minutes during that span. Tech led by as many as 48 points twice in the second half. The first time came with 5:31 to go as Shauntal Nobles hit one of two free throws, while the second time was when Haley Schneider hit a jumper with 2:15 remaining. All 15 Lady Raiders saw action as Tech played their bench a majority of the second half. Kierra Mallard and Christine Hyde led all scorers with 15 points apiece. Mallard and Baker both had a game-high six rebounds, while Casey Morris dished out a game-high five assists. Smalls collected four steals on the night as well. Alia Frank scored nine points to lead Mississippi Valley State. Tech shot 49.1 percent from the field, connecting on 27 of 55 shots, while the Devilettes hit just 17.9 percent (10-56) of their attempts. The Lady Raider outrebounded MVSU 56-26.
A Look Ahead
The last game of the seven-game home stretch is a match-up with UTSA on Wed., Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. Tech will take part in the Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge as it plays at Penn State on Sun., Dec. 5, at 1 p.m. CST. The Lady Raiders' last home game of 2010 will be on Tues., Dec. 7, against Northwestern State at 7 p.m. on the Texas Tech Sports Network. Tech heads west for the Las Vegas Holiday Hoops Classic and plays Pittsburgh on Sun., Dec. 19, at 2 p.m. CST and California on Mon., Dec. 20, at 4:15 p.m. CST. The games will be played at the Event Center at South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa. The Lady Raiders conclude non-conference play with a game at Western Kentucky on Wed., Dec. 29, at 7 p.m., and a home game with Houston Baptist on Mon., Jan. 3.
Non-Conference Games
Texas Tech owns a 47-13 record in regular-season non-conference games in the Kristy Curry era, including the four wins this season. Of the 13 losses, four have them have been to teams ranked in the top 15 - No. 15 Stanford (2006-07), No. 10 Arizona State (2006-07); No. 3 California (2008-09) and No. 8 Tennessee (2009-10).
Ball Snatchers
Texas Tech has tallied 53 steals in its first four games for an average of 13.3 steals per game. Against Samford last week, three players tied their career highs in steals - senior Teena Wickett (3) and juniors Kierra Mallard (4) and Jordan Barncastle (2). Wickett also tied her career high again versus Idaho State.
Lowest Opponent Output Since 2003
The Lady Raiders held Mississippi Valley State to just 28 points on Nov. 23. It was the lowest-scoring output by an opponent since Wyoming had 26 points on Dec. 6, 2003, which tied the school record. Tech also only allowed 26 points against McMurry back on Feb. 24, 1978.
Season-High Field Goal Percentage
After having its worst shooting percentage since Feb. 2009 against Idaho State, Texas Tech shot a season-high 49.1 percent from the field against Mississippi Valley State. Tech connected on 27 of 55 shot attempts. The Lady Raiders' previous season high was 45.5 percent in the season opener at New Mexico.
Largest Rebound Margin in Six Years
Texas Tech outrebounded Mississippi Valley State by 30 boards - 56-26, marking the largest rebound margin since having 25 more than Sacramento State (57-32) on Dec. 28, 2004.
Hyde Scores Season High
Sophomore Christine Hyde came off the bench to score a season-high 15 points versus Mississippi Valley State. Hyde was just one point shy of tying her career high of 16 points which she had last year against Houston in the Postseason WNIT.
All 15 Players See Minutes, Again
For the second time this season, all 15 players saw playing time in the win over Mississippi Valley State and all but three players scored in the 45-point win. All 15 also played at New Mexico where all but three players scored in that 27-point victory.
Smalls Starting Streak
Sophomore Monique Smalls got her 37th-straight start against Mississippi Valley State last Tuesday night. The Woodlands, Texas, native was the only player to start all 33 games in 2009-10.
Under 50 Points
Texas Tech has held its opponents to an average of 43.8 points per game so far this season as New Mexico scored 52, Samford had 42, Idaho State got 52 and Mississippi Valley State had 28.
Back-to-Back Double-Digit Boards
Senior Teena Wickett recorded back-to-back games of double-digit rebounds as she grabbed 12 boards against Samford, just one shy of tying her career high of 13, which she established against UCLA during her sophomore year at Pepperdine. She then collected 11 rebounds against Idaho State the following game.
Career High for Bokenkamp
Sophomore Mary Bokenkamp came off the bench to score a career-high 15 points against Idaho State. She also connected on a career-high five three pointers in 24 minutes of action.
Poor Shooting Night
Texas Tech shot just 28.4 percent from the field against Idaho State. The Lady Raiders connected on just 19 of 67 shot attempts. The field goal percentage marked the lowest shooting percentage for Tech since shooting 27.6 percent (16-58) against Iowa State on Feb. 28, 2009.
Career High for Wickett
In her first game as a Lady Raider, senior Teena Wickett poured in a career-high 19 points in the win at New Mexico. Wickett was 8-14 from the field in 24 minutes of play.
Three in Double Digits
Senior Teena Wickett, junior Kierra Mallard and sophomore Casey Morris all scored in double figures to lead Texas Tech to an 80-53 victory at New Mexico. All three started the game as Wickett finished with 19 points, followed by Morris with 17 and Mallard with 15.
Wright to Be Inducted into Hall of Fame
Assistant coach Shereka Wright will be inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in May 2011. Wright was the USA Today, Gatorade and WBCA Player of the Year as a senior at Copperas Cove High School in 2000. She was also named first team all-state and Miss Basketball in the state of Texas. She finished her high school career with 3,269 points.
New Faces
Texas Tech has four new faces in the locker room this season - freshmen Kelsi Baker, Antiesha Brown, Haley Schneider and Ebony Walker. Also making their first appearance in a Lady Raider uniform is senior Teena Wickett, sophomore Casey Morris and redshirt freshman Shauntal Nobles. All three sat out last season.
Class Breakdown
The 2010-11 Lady Raiders are young. This year's roster has just three upperclassmen with one senior - Teena Wickett - and two juniors - Jordan Barncastle and Kierra Mallard. The sophomore class consists of Marissa Ashton, Chynna Brown, Mary Bokenkamp, Christine Hyde, Lindie Kimbro, Casey Morris and Monique Smalls. The five freshmen round out the roster - Kelsi Baker, Antiesha Brown, Shauntal Nobles, Haley Schneider and Ebony Walker.
Coaches Have Ties
Head coach Kristy Curry has put together a staff that is very familiar with each other. Curry has ties with all of her three assistant coaches with the first being her husband, Kelly Curry. Kelly has been on both of Kristy's staffs as a assistant coach at Purdue and Texas Tech, while Brooke Stoehr and Shereka Wright were both players for Kristy and Kelly. Stoehr, the former Brooke Lassiter was a guard at Louisiana Tech from 1998-2002 and played one season for Kristy and Kelly when they were both assistant coaches for the Lady Techsters. That year, 1999, Louisiana Tech advanced to the NCAA Final Four. In the spring of 1999, Kristy became the head coach at Purdue and in the fall of 1999 she signed Wright to attend Purdue. Wright helped lead Purdue to the 2001 National Championship game and was named to the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament team.
On the Tube
Texas Tech has nine regular-season games televised this season. The Lady Raiders will appear on FSN twice - Feb. 19 vs. Baylor and Feb. 26 vs. Oklahoma State. The game at Kansas on Jan. 8 will air in the Kansas City metro area on Metro Sports. Six games will be televised on the Texas Tech Sports Network - Samford (W, 58-42), Northwestern State (Dec. 7), Kansas State (Jan. 15), at Oklahoma (Jan. 19), Texas A&M (Feb. 5) and Oklahoma (Mar. 5). David Thetford will be doing the play-by-play for the Texas TechSports Network while former Lady Raider head coach Marsha Sharp will provide the color commentary. The following affiliates will televise all TTSN games:
Amarillo - KCPN-TV 33
Beaumont-Port Arthur - KUIL/MYTX
Lubbock - My Lubbock TV KMYL
Tyler-Longview - MYTX/KYTX DT-2
Waco-Temple-Bryan - KYTX/KCEN DT-2 ESPN Full Court for Samford, Northwestern State and Oklahoma
Time Warner Cable (Texas Channel) for just the Samford, at Oklahoma and Texas A&M games
Follow the Lady Raiders
All Lady Raider basketball games can be heard live on the Texas Tech Sports Network. TTSN has put together a seven-station network that offers coverage through the state of Texas and in parts of New Mexico. KJTV/KLZK-Lubbock serve as the network flagship stations. Listen to play-by-play by Steve Strain and color commentary by Crystal Boles as they take the court with the Lady Raiders. The following radio stations will air the Lady Raider basketball games this season:
Abilene/Haskell - KVRP 97.1 FM
Hereford - KPAN 106.3 FM
Hobbs, NM - KHOB 1390 AM
Lamesa - KPET 690 AM
Lubbock - KJTV 950 AM
Lubbock - KLZK 97.3 FM
Plainview - KVOP 1090 AM
The Kristy Curry Radio Show
The Kristy Curry Radio Show be held on 10 Mondays throughout the season beginning in December. The show will be held at Ruby Tequila's located on north University Avenue from 6-7 p.m. The following are the dates for the 2010-11 season: December 6, 13; January 10, 17, 24, 31; February 7, 14, 28; and March 7.
Signed, Sealed and Delivered
Texas Tech signed standout guard Amber Battle to a National Letter of Intent to attend Texas Tech in the fall of 2011. The 5-9 Battle hails from Albuquerque, N.M. and averaged 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists as a junior at Cibola High School. Battle is the 13th-ranked guard in the country by ESPN HoopGurlz.com, as well as the No. 76 overall player.
