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The No. 7 Texas Tech Red Raiders defended their home court last night and got their 20th win of the season defeating Iowa State by a score of 76-58. Zhaire Smith was the real story of tonight as he had the best game of his career. The Red Raiders had a good team performance as they had 7 more assists, and 7 fewer turnovers than the Cyclones.
Red Raiders Win!
— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) February 8, 2018
Led by 21 points from Zhaire Smith, #TexasTech gets win No. 2️⃣0️⃣ for the first time since the 2006-07 season, 76-58, over ISU! #WreckEm #4To1 pic.twitter.com/U6HZr5g31i
Cameron Lard once again had a performance to remember against the Red Raiders. Let me be the first to say that all of us Red Raider fans are so glad that we do not have to face him again in the regular season. Lard, a freshman, had 22 points on 10-11 shooting and dominated Tommy Hamilton IV and Norense Odiase among others in the paint tonight. Lard will be a force to be reckoned with next year for the Cyclones. Lindell Wiggington also added 13 points, while Solomon Young chipped in 8 points and 9 rebounds for the Cyclones.
Nevermind, I guess Keenan is good! pic.twitter.com/PemuYN1oAQ
— ŦexasŦechHoopsFans (@TTUHoopsFans) February 8, 2018
Keenan Evans ended the night with 15 points and 4 assists. The Red Raiders were outrebounded by 7 as the leading rebounder was Zhaire Smith, with 9. Hamilton IV and Odiase combined for 4 points and 7 rebounds, a stat line that is not as impressive as it had been in previous games. These two will have to play much better down the road if the Red Raiders are to keep in contention for the Big 12 championship.
Player of the Game: Zhaire Smith
Smith had a career-high 21 points on 7-8 shooting from the field and 6-6 from the free-throw line. Smith filled up the stat sheet with 8 rebounds - 3 of which were offensive boards - 2 assists, and 3 blocks on the night. Smith also had a highlight dunk that was reminiscent of a drawing by VTM writer Jeramey Gillilan.
I’m not saying there’s black magic here, but @JerameyDane photo came true and then Texas Tech never let their foot off the gas. TEXAS TECH GETS REVENGE AGAINST ISU, 76-58; TAKES #1 IN BIG TWELVE AGAIN #WreckEm #4to1 pic.twitter.com/cZiVPmMCRg
— Viva the Contendors (@vivathematadors) February 8, 2018
The Red Raiders will next face the Kansas State Wildcats on the road Saturday. The Wildcats got a road win for themselves tonight as they defeated the Texas Longhorns by a score of 67-64 in Austin. The Red Raiders will have to continue to bring the road defense if they are to get a win Saturday. What are your thoughts on tonight’s win against the Iowa State Cyclones? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
MBB FINAL: (7) Texas Tech 76, Iowa State 58
— Just David Collier (@CollieronTV) February 8, 2018
Zhaire Smith was 7-for-8 from the field and scored a career-high 21 points.
The Red Raiders pick up win no. 20 which is the most since finishing with 21 during 2006-07 season. pic.twitter.com/43UZe6L2r5