Monday Morning Matador: basketball slides while others rise

Men’s basketball drop to Iowa State, Baylor

Last Wednesday, Texas Tech took on Iowa State inside the United Spirit Arena. Iowa State held a distinctive advantage most of the game before Texas Tech tied up the game at 61 with two minutes remaining. Unfortunately, the Cyclones responded with a few quick baskets that led to a 68-64 Red Raider loss - their first conference loss. Tech had 19 missed layups and went 6-for-15 from the free-throw line.

On Saturday, the Red Raiders traveled to Waco to try and get back on track in the conference. After leading by 13 early in the first half, the Red Raiders shut down and Baylor rolled ahead by netting 11 3-pointers (the most given up by TTU this season). That, coupled with the 17 turnovers, helped provide the Bears the momentum they needed to win 73-62. Coach Beard had this much to say about the turnover battle:

Women’s basketball fall to TCU, Kansas State

Along with the men’s team, the women’s team has had a tough stretch of games beginning with TCU Wednesday night. Texas Tech came out strong as they have in most games this season. With a seven-point lead in the fourth, and all the momentum, the Lady Raiders seemed primed to take the victory and run with it. Not so. TCU refused to let off the gas and outscored Texas Tech 31-16 to claim the 78-70 victory.

Saturday, a similar story. Texas Tech and Kansas State traded blows until the Wildcats took a 33-24 lead at the half. The Red Raiders responded with a 13-2 run to take the lead early in the second half. Back and forth again Kansas State took the lead in the fourth after a 14-0 run and finished with a 66-62 win. The loss puts Texas Tech at 10-7 overall and 1-5 in conference.

Red Raider Invitational leaves a worldwide impression

After a spectacular showing at the Corky Classic, Texas Tech continued to shine at the Red Raider Invitational. Last weekend 17 Texas Tech athletes recorded personal bests; this week it was 21. Those athletes are as follows: Andrew Hudson PR’d in the 200m with a 20.41 time - This puts Hudson at No. 1 in the world. The men’s 4x400 (Oduduru, Crisp, Mathis and Hudson) marked a 3:04.93 time for the second fastest in program history. Sara Limp PR’d in the 200m with a 23.60 time (2nd place). Odaine Lewis and Charles Brown both had another tremendous meet by locking down the first and second national spots in the triple jump (respectively). Chinne Okoronkwo bagged a second place national ranking in the pole vault, beating the rest of the competitors of the meet by three feet. Duke Kicinksi PR’d in his weight throw and ranks fifth in program history. Seasons Usual also PR’d in her weight throw with a 18.41m toss. Next up both teams will stay in Lubbock for the three day event of the Texas Tech Classic starting Thursday.

Women’s tennis win season opener

For the past nine out of ten seasons, the Lady Raiders have won their season opener. SMU was no exception. Despite coming down to the final singles court, Texas Tech women’s tennis clinched victory behind Felicity Maltby and begin their 2019 season 1-0. You can find the full details in the link above.

Men’s tennis moves to 4-0 on the year

The men’s tennis team netted two wins Sunday against Lamar University and the University of New Mexico. The teams of Artem Kapshuk and Matheus Leite, Franco Ribero and Ilgiz Valiev, as well as Justin Bloss and Bjorn Thomson dealt great damage in the doubles department. Singles was no different especially for Parker Wynn. Up next, Tech will take on Florida State Saturday.