No. 6 Texas Tech falls to Oklahoma State for second straight loss

The No. 6 Texas Tech Red Raiders fell to the Oklahoma State Cowboys by a score of 79-71. The Red Raiders were leading at halftime by a score of 35-34. The Cowboys came out with a three-point barrage that gave them a lead that the Red Raiders could not overcome.

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Keenan Evans tried to play tonight but was not his usual self. In 25 minutes of play, Evans only tallied 2 points and 2 rebounds. The Cowboys were led by the play of guard Kendall Smith. Smith tallied 21 points and 6 assists. Smith also went 8-10 from the free-throw line and led the Cowboys’ offense all night.

Lindy Waters III was scorching from the field tonight as he went 6-6 from the field and 4-4 from the 3-point line as Waters III scored 18 points in 31 minutes. Waters also had no turnovers tonight and was one of the driving forces behind the huge second-half run that ultimately propelled the Cowboys to victory. Jeffrey Carroll also contributed 14 points and 6 rebounds on 5-9 shooting from the field.

Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Raiders needed more offense from the post players Odiase and Hamilton IV. Odiase only played 11 minutes and only recorded one point and 2 rebounds. He needs to pick up his production if the Red Raiders are to be competitive on Saturday against Kansas. Zhaire Smith had a first half to remember for the Red Raiders as he had 16 points in the first half. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Red Raiders as he finished with 18 points and four rebounds in 35 minutes. Jarrett Culver also had a decent game as he finished with 15 points and 6 rebounds in 34 minutes.

The Red Raiders were in this game until the very end when their inability to score the rock really hampered them. The huge turning point in this game was in the second half when the Cowboys went on a huge 15-4 run to push the lead to double digits. The Red Raiders need more offensive production from the post players, especially if Keenan Evans will be hampered for some time.

Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Raiders next face the Kansas Jayhawks for an opportunity to get even in the Big 12 standings. They play at 3:15 on Saturday in Lubbock, Texas. What do you think about the loss tonight to the Cowboys? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below.