Lady Raiders Roll Past Tulane, 77-50

By Jay Langley - Special to KAMC28.TV The Lady Raiders ruined Tulanes return to the Hub City Wednesday night in a 77-50 Texas Tech win. For much of the 2005 season the Tulane womens basketball team played their home games at the United Spirit Arena. The team relocated to Lubbock after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf area. "It was good until seven oclock, it was really good to be back until then," Tulane coach Lisa Stockton said of her teams return to Lubbock. With Tulane (5-2) up 14-12 with 10:25 to play in the first half Tech went on a 18-3 run to take a 13 point lead with under three minutes to play in the half. "It was 14-12 and at that point enough was enough," Tech coach Kristy Curry said, "and we need to understand that we need a sense of urgency. There were no excuses. I was really pleased with our mentality at that point." During the run Jordan Murphree led Tech (6-1) with seven points and four rebounds. Murphree led the Lady Raiders with 14 points in just 23 minutes of playing time. "Tonight we were very tough mentally and just executed the game plan," Curry said. "Anytime we can come out and really execute the offense like we did its a good thing." Techs biggest lead came with 12:22 left to play when the lead reached 32. Kristy Curry was able to give her starters some much needed rest after Mondays return from Hawaii. "Our bench of Tiny Henderson, Teddy Griffin and Patrice Edwards have been so solid for us," Curry said. "Our bench has really developed and I think the deeper we can be the better team we can be. If they can continue to do the little things it just makes us so much better." Eleven Lady Raiders scored in Wednesdays victory. "We thought that the second team that came in for them really added to their team speed," Stockton said. "It didnt surprise us but I dont think we handled it very well." Tulane shot a season low 26.8 percent for the game and turned the ball over a season high 25 times. "I thought Tech did a great job in their intensity," Stockton said. "They really did a great with their transition defense and really got out in the passing lanes." Tech outscored Tulane 38-22 in points in the paint while shooting 52.7 percent from the floor. "That was one thing we really emphasized especially at half time," Curry said, "We wanted to come out in the second half and match their physicality and establish a post presence. Any time we can establish a post presence at either end of the floor were just so much better." The Lady Raiders travel to Fresno State Friday to take on the Bulldogs. "I dont think theres any question that when you have success that breads confidence," Curry said. "But were walking into a hornets nest in Fresno State. Our kids are going to have to play an A+ game."