Texas Tech Defeats #7 West Virginia In Overtime, 77-76.

Guts! This game was a great example of what conference play is all about. You throw a punch and you take a punch, but just keep fighting. You have to protect home court and that is what the Red Raiders did.

I thought Tech came out with plenty of energy and ready to attack on both sides of the ball. We all knew WVU would apply full court pressure and after seeing the way we struggled against Iowa State’s second half pressure I was concerned. As it turned out we handled the pressure adequately and managed to shoot 52% from the field in the first half. Tech even put WVU into foul trouble and ended up in the bonus a little more than half way through the first half. The biggest problem for Tech in the first half was WVU grabbed nine offensive rebounds versus our two. At the half Tech trailed 37-34. The second half was an absolute grind. Tech fought and clawed the first nine minutes of the second half and took their first lead at the eleven minute mark, 51-50. It was back and forth the rest of the way. Regulation ended at 67-67. Overtime went the same way as the rest of the game did and Anthony Livingston made the game winning three with four seconds to go.

Game Notes:

• Norense Odiase was not dressed out tonight. I assume this was due to the injury he has had most of the season. Let’s hope it is nothing long term.
• Zach Smith was at it again:

• Smith led the Red Riders with 15 points and 7 boards.
• Where is Aaron Ross these days? He doesn't seem to have the same impact on the team as last year. Hopefully he can turn it around.

Next up the Red Raiders will travel to play the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday, January 7th at 6:15.