West Virginia Falls at Texas Tech
January 28, 2015 07:14 PM | General
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LUBBOCK, Texas - West Virginia University women’s basketball encountered a tough second half start and fell 73-57 to Texas Tech on Wednesday evening at the United Supermarkets Arena.
West Virginia (12-8, 2-6 Big 12) fought back from a double-digit deficit to make it a 29-27 Texas Tech lead at the break. The Lady Raiders (13-7, 3-5 Big 12) opened the second half on a 12-2 run. TTU connected on 10 three-pointers in the second half to take control of the game. Amber Battle paced TTU with a career-high 33 points in the victory.
Bria Holmes registered 17 points, dished out two assists and snatched two steals. Guard Linda Stepney inked a season-high 16 points, going 3-of-5 from the three-point mark. Jessica Morton added nine points and four rebounds for the Mountaineers.
Overall, WVU shot just 36.4 percent (20-of-55) for the game. Texas Tech hit 60 percent (15-of-25) of their second half looks and completed the evening shooting 48.1 percent (25-of-52). The Lady Raiders won the boards 40-34 and scored 28 points off WVU turnovers.
“We let them dribble-penetrate,” said coach Mike Carey. “We helped, they kicked and hit threes. There’s a lot of things we need to improve. First of all, we need pride and heart. They don’t take things personal. If you don’t take things personal, that’s an issue.”
Battle came out hot in the first half for the Lady Raiders, knocking down two triples and scoring TTU’s first eight points.
The Mountaineers battled back and tied the contest, 11-11, when Linda Stepney found a wide open layup at 14:22. The Lady Raiders proceeded on a 4-0 run to hold a 15-11 edge. WVU tied the game once again at with six minutes remaining. However, Texas Tech roared out to a 27-22 lead.
Buckets from Lanay Montgomery and Teana Muldrow cut WVU’s deficit to 29-27 at the break. Both teams shot under 40 percent, with West Virginia knocking down 11-of-33 for 33.3 percent. The Lady Raiders hit slightly better at 37.0 percent (10-of-27). Stepney led WVU with eight points, while TTU’s Battle had 17 of the 29 first half points.
Much liked the second half, Texas Tech opened the second half strong with a 12-2 run. The Lady Raiders stretched their lead to as much as 18 with a layup from Jamie Roe at 13:21.
Stepney converted a four-point play, thanks to a made triple and drawn foul, at the 4:55 mark to cut the game to within 10. However, Texas Tech rolled on a six-point run to maintain a strong lead and sweep the season series.
West Virginia returns to action against No. 24 Oklahoma on Sunday, Feb. 1. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. inside the WVU Coliseum. Sunday is Superhero Day. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a free superhero mask courtesy of Coke Zero.
NOTES: Jessica Morton made her first collegiate start on Wednesday … Coach Mike Carey has used three different starting lineups this season … Linda Stepney moved into a tie for sixth all-time with her 113th career start … WVU was swept in a Big 12 season series for the first time since losing twice to Texas Tech and Baylor in 2013 … Linda Stepney hit a season-high 16 points in the loss … Bria Holmes has reached double figures in 23 consecutive games.
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