The Texas Tech women’s basketball team is close to getting back to the NCAA Tournament after their 69-62 win over Texas Sunday afternoon at the United Spirit Arena.
The Lady Raiders improved to 9-5 in Big 12 Conference play and 19-7 overall this season.
Tech head coach Kristy Curry said she and her team are always excited to play against the rivals from Austin.
“We’re going to continue this rivalry, and it means something to these kids to walk in that locker room,” Curry said, “because it’s a matter of pride. It’s about representing the state of Texas. That’s why you come to Texas Tech, to beat Texas. And everybody else.”
Tech got off to a slow start, missing its first six attempts from the floor. The Lady Raiders trailed the Longhorns early, but Tech went on a 22-3 run late in the first half and took a 36-27 advantage into the locker room.
Tech guard Chynna Brown led the way for the Lady Raiders with 16 points in the game. Kelsi Baker added 14 points, and junior Casey Morris had 15 in the game — including several clutch shots down the stretch to help her team put the game out of reach. Morris also had four assists.
Brown, a senior, has now joined the 1,000-point club after her performance. Brown said she did not know she was close to reaching the scoring mark for her career.
“I give all of the credit to my teammates because without them I would’ve never got that,” Brown said. “I didn’t even know I was close to 1,000 points. I mean it’s an honor, but at the same time I’m more focused on our team and us and just winning.”
Brown was the second Lady Raider to reach to 1,000-point plateau, as Casey Morris achieved the same feat earlier this season.
The Lady Raider defense forced 24 turnovers, while Tech’s offense only gave the ball away five times the entire game.
Despite all of the turnovers, Longhorn guard Chassidy Fussell kept Texas in the game almost single-handedly.
Fussell said its tough when teams play her tight, but she was able knock down several tough shots against Tech.
“It’s a little frustrating getting double and triple-teamed, but I have to rely on our other guards to make shots,” she said.
Fussell led all scorers with 27 points in the game.
The Lady Raiders will be back on the court next Sunday in Lawrence, Kan. for a matchup with the Jayhawks at 12 pm.
By: Chois Woodman
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