Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Opens Big 12 Play Against TCU Sunday
January 03, 2015 | Women's Basketball
Transfer Jamie Roe has helped give Texas Tech's defense a jolt this season with 18 steals.
Jan. 3, 2015
LUBBOCK, Texas - The Texas Tech women's basketball team returns to the court to take on TCU in the Big 12 Conference opener for both teams at 4:00 p.m., Sunday at United Supermarkets Arena.
This will be the sixth meeting between the two schools as Big 12 opponents and 44th meeting overall since 1980. The Lady Raiders lead the series 39-4 but have lost the last three to the Horned Frogs.
The game will be broadcast on FOX Sports Southwest with Bob Licht and San Antonio Silver Stars head coach and general manager Dan Hughes on the call.
Tech (10-2) if coming off a narrow 60-59 win over Houston Baptist on Tuesday, led by leading point-scorer Amber Battle's 19 points. The senior guard has scored in double figures in all six games she's played this season and has two double-doubles.
But it was the defensive prowess from junior Jamie Roe that sealed the game in the closing seconds with her third steal of the game to hold off a final shot from HBU. The Lady Raiders defense has received a defensive boost through its first 12 games this season thanks to Roe and fellow transfer Rayven Brooks. The two have combined for 38 of Tech's 95 steals this season (40 percent). That's eight steals better than the team's total through 12 games last season.
Tech's defense could play a big factor in trying to stop TCU (8-3) and standout Zahna Medley. The junior guard found her groove two games ago against Sam Houston State after sitting out a game. She hit seven 3-pointers on her way to 23 points and the win. Medley and Tech sophomore Minta Spears are tied for second in the Big 12 in 3-pointers made with 27 each heading into Sunday's game.
Tech fans will also get an extra special treat after the game by staying for the first Run N Gun Club meeting this season. Fans will get the opportunity to not only meet and greet Tech's freshmen but also enter a drawing for giveaways like a Bose docking station and Under Armour gear. The Run N Gun Club meets after the conclusion of each weekend home game during Big 12 Conference play this season: TCU (Jan. 4), Oklahoma (Jan. 10), Kansas State (Jan. 31), Texas (Feb. 21) and Oklahoma State (Feb. 28).
GAME 13: TEXAS TECH vs. TCU
4:00 p.m. CT - Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015
United Supermarkets Arena - Lubbock, Texas
Texas Tech (10-2), TCU (8-3)
44th Meeting (Texas Tech leads 39-4)
Last Meeting: TCU 75, Texas Tech 59 - March 7, 2014 - Oklahoma City, Okla.
Radio: Texas Tech Sports Network - 97.3 FM Lubbock
Talent: Ryan Hyatt (Play-by-Play), Chuck Heinz (Color)
TV: FOX Sports Southwest (Uverse 649, Suddenlink 511)
Talent: Bob Licht (Play-by-Play), Dan Hughes (Color)
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP (CAREER STARTS)
G- Minta Spears (42 Starts); G-Amber Battle (37 Starts); G-Rayven Brooks (12 Starts); F-Kelsi Baker (60 Starts); F-Dayo Olabode (12 Starts)
INSIDE THE TCU SERIES
Texas Tech and TCU are meeting for the 44th time in the series. Tech leads the all-time series 39-4 but the Horned Frogs have won the previous three meetings, beating Tech all three times last season including the first round of the Big 12 Championship, 75-59. The Lady Raiders are 16-2 all-time at home vs. the Horned Frogs.
BATTLE NUMBERS
Texas Tech senior Amber Battle scored in double figures for the 30th time in 37 starts. She finished with 19 points and seven rebounds against HBU - scoring 12 points on 6 of 9 shooting in the second half. She's scored in double figures in all six games this season and has two double-doubles.
FROM THE LINE
Texas Tech finished the game 24 of 33 from the free throw line against UTSA on Dec. 20. That's the most free throws made by a Tech team since hitting 24 of 27 vs. New Mexico on Nov. 13, 2013.
COUNTDOWN TO 100
Texas Tech's win on Dec. 30 was head coach Candi Whitaker's 99th career win as a head coach.
LEADING THE WAY
Minta Spears went 2 of 3 from behind the arc against Houston and continues to lead the Big 12 Conference in 3-pointers made and 3-pointer shooting percentage. She is now 27 of 48 from outside (.563).
GREAT START
Texas Tech is 10-2 overall and 10-0 at home during non-conference play this season. It's the fifth time in six years that the Lady Raiders have started out non-conference play at home with a perfect record, dating back to the 2009-10 season.
JEKYLL AND HYDE
Texas Tech has been a Jekyll and Hyde team in its wins and losses this season. The Lady Raiders are outscoring opponents 64.6-53.8 (+10.8) and shooting 40.4 percent from the field in their 10 wins. But in its two losses away from home, Tech has been outscored 72-48 (-24) and is shooting just 34 percent.
