Jan 24, 2002

Box Score

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) - Jia Perkins scored 16 of her 20 points in the second half, when No. 12 Texas Tech held Oklahoma State without a basket for more than 10 minutes in a 62-51 victory Wednesday night.

Texas Tech (12-5, 4-3 Big 12) trailed 38-36 after Tari Cummings hit a 3-pointer for Oklahoma State (10-9, 2-4) with 14:43 left in the game. But the Lady Raiders went on a 15-3 tear - with Perkins getting eight points - to take a 51-41 lead.

The Cowgirls, coming off a win over No. 11 Kansas State and playing their fifth straight ranked opponent, closed within six points, finally ending their scoring drought when Chantoya Hawkins made a basket with 4:16 remaining.

Perkins caused three of Oklahoma State's 17 turnovers, including two she turned into easy layups that sealed the victory.

Jolee Ayers added 16 points and Natalie Ritchie 13 for the Lady Raiders.

The Cowgirls were led by Hawkins and Trisha Skibbe, who had 13 points each. Cummings added 11 points and Skibbe had 10 rebounds.

Texas Tech trailed only once in the first half, at 9-8 after a 3-pointer by Skibbe. But the Lady Raiders were never able to take control until late in the game.

They led once by seven points at 25-18, and again by six at 30-24. But each time, the Cowgirls came back.

Oklahoma State had a chance to take the halftime lead, but turned the ball over with 6.5 seconds left, allowing the Lady Raiders to cling to a 32-31 advantage at the break.