Nov. 14, 2009

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LUBBOCK, Texas - Despite a lackluster start, the Texas Tech women's basketball team turned things around to defeat Sam Houston State, 91-52, in its season opener today at the United Spirit Arena.

A sluggish start to the game saw the Bearkats leading most of the first 12 minutes. Then the momentum shifted as the Lady Raiders started chipping away at the Bearkats' six-point lead. Tech regained the lead at 18-16 on a pair of free throws by Jordan Muphree at 8:27. It was a lead Tech would never relinquish.

The Lady Raiders led 45-27 at the half.

Tech continued to play strong into the second half, going on a 12-5 run the first three and a half minutes. From there it was all the Lady Raiders as they took a 39-point lead, its largest of the game, with 1:54 to go in the game on a layup by Marissa Ashton. Tech again went up by 39 points on a jumper by Jordan Barncastle with 58 seconds remaining to close out the game.

Kierra Mallard led all scorers with 15 points, while Ashlee Roberson had her fourth career double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Barncastle also added 14 points, while Jordan Murphree and Tilmila Martin each finished with 10 points. Murphree and Monique Smalls both had a game-high four assists.

Sam Houston State was led by Whitney Smith with 14 points.

The Lady Raiders shot 53.7 percent from the field, connecting on 36-of-67 shot attempts and they outrebounded the Bearkats 51-30.

Tech will travel to San Antonio, Texas, for the ESPNU Road to the Championship where it will face No. 8/9 Tennessee on Tues., Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. at the AT&T Center. The game will be televised on ESPNU.