Texas Tech University Athletics
Lady Raiders Ready For Showdown with Arizona
November 20, 2014 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 20, 2014
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech's win on Tuesday against Texas State was more than just another notch in the win column for head coach Candi Whitaker and the Lady Raiders.
Trailing by 10 twice, including midway thorugh the second half, the Lady Raiders found a way to win in overtime in just the second game together with seven newcomers playing key roles and without All-Big 12 guard Amber Battle.
To say the least, Tuesday night was a confidence builder.
"I think you saw a lot of fight," Whitaker said. "There was some execution when things got tight and some pressure situations where the kids stepped up and made some big shots in big situations when they needed to and it was awesome to see. I'm really proud of how we finished and how we handled those game situations."
Tech (2-0) now gets set to take on two opponents in three days beginning with Friday night's match against Arizona at 7 p.m. at United Supermarkets Arena.
The Lady Raiders will then play Morgan State (1-2) on Sunday at 2 p.m. One win would give Tech its first 3-0 start since the 2011-12 season.
Arizona (0-1) had played just one game so far this season, losing its home opener to CSU Bakersfield, 76-72, on Monday. The Wildcats return three starters from last season's team that beat Texas Tech, 65-56, in Tucson. Returners Candice Warthen and LaBrittney Jones combined for 35 points and 23 rebounds to lead the Wildcats last season with 32 of 65 points coming in the paint.
This season is a much different tale for Tech though, with returning senior Kelsi Baker and a fresh group of forwards that have led Tech's offense in the paint the first two games. Tech is averaging 32 points per game in the paint this season through two games - 11 points more than their average last season.
That kind of play down low and the improved rebounding could help keep the Wildcats away should Tech find a lead late in the game. Arizona came back from 20 down to tie the game late in its opener only to lose by three.
"One thing I think teams struggle with is once you get ahead, is getting complacent and comfortable," Baker said. "And its just fighting. You have to play like you're losing by 10 the whole time. I think if we play like that and with a high intensity the whole game, we should be fine."
GAME 3: ARIZONA AT TEXAS TECH
7 p.m. CT - Friday, Nov. 21, 2014
United Supermarkets Arena
Texas Tech (2-0), Arizona (0-1)
3rd Meeting (Tied 1-1)
Last Meeting: Arizona 65, Texas Tech 56 - Dec. 15, 2013 - Tucson, Ariz.
Radio: Texas Tech Sports Network - 97.3 FM Lubbock (Ryan Hyatt and Chuck Heinz)
Live Stream: TexasTech.tv
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP (CAREER STARTS)
G- Minta Spears (32 Starts); G-Jamie Roe (2 Start); G-Rayven Brooks (2 Start); F-Kelsi Baker (50 Starts); F-Dayo Olabode (2 Start)
INSIDE THE ARIZONA SERIES
Texas Tech and Arizona are meeting for the third time overall in the series. Tech won the first meeting on a neutral court, 98-65 on Dec. 22, 1979. Arizona won the last meeting in Tucson on Dec. 15 last season, 65-56. This is the first meeting in Lubbock.
BAKER IN OVERTIME
Texas Tech redshirt senior Kelsi Baker scored seven of her 16 points in overtime to help push Texas Tech past Texas State on Tuesday. She was a perfect 2-for-2 from the field and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line. Baker has now scored in double digits in both starts this season and six of her last seven overall.
BROOKS CAREER HIGH
Texas Tech junior transfer Rayven Brooks scored a Tech career high with 19 points and five rebounds on Tuesday night against Texas State. She hit a high in field goals with seven including three from behind the arc, and had two blocks and two steals.
SPEARS FROM DOWNTOWN
Texas Tech redshirt sophomore Minta Spears tied a career high with a perfect 4-for-4 showing on 3-pointers vs. Texas State. That matched her high of 3-point field goals made from last season at Arizona (Dec. 15). It was the first time Spears has hit all 3-point attempts in a game when attempting more than two.
FIRST POINTS
Three Texas Tech newcomers scored their first points as Lady Raiders on Tuesday night vs. Texas State. Junior Ryann Bowser (2), redshirt sophomore Jocelyn Mousty (4) and freshman Ionna McKenzie (4). Mousty also had three rebounds and two blocks.
BACK-TO-BACK
Texas Tech won back-to-back games to start the season for the second consecutive year. Tech also won its first back-to-back games since beating Jacksonville and Florida Atlantic on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21 last season.
