Lady Raiders Defeat Texas State

Jay Langley - Special to KLBK.com (Lubbock, TX)- For the third consecutive game the Texas Tech Lady Raiders (3-0) were led by at least three players in double figures in scoring. Alesha Robertson (13 points, 11 rebounds) and Erin Myrick (20 points, 13 rebounds) led the Lady Raiders to a 82-63 victory over the Texas State Bobcats (1-3) Sunday afternoon at the United Spirit Arena. "When we are at our best is when we have great balance," Lady Raider coach Kristy Curry said. "I thought than Erin really came out and set the tone early for us. We were just able to come out and establish a presence in the paint. Any time you can go inside instead of outside early in the game it really makes you better and gives you a chance to have success." The 20-point effort was a career high for Myrick, a 6-foot-3 junior from Duarte, Calif. Myrick said her improvement from last season is a matter of being given a chance to play. "Really I think its just the opportunity," Myrick said. "Of course I worked hard in the off season to get better and get back from my surgery. But when given the opportunity I think that players step up." The game remained close for the first six minutes. But with 15:09 in the first half Tech used a quick 10-3 run to extend its lead to nine. Tech used another quick run, closing the first half 11-4 to take a 45-30 half time lead. The second half was more of the same with three times extending its lead to 21, the first time on a three pointer from Raquel Christian with eight minutes to play. Texas Tech out-rebounded Texas State and forced 22 turnovers. "That is something we can control," Robertson said. "Sometimes our shots might not go in but we can definitely control the boards and our defense." During halftime of the game the Lady Raiders honored former coach Marsha Sharp. About 30 former players came to the game, a video tribute was shown and a banner with Sharps was unveiled. "This is a very special day," Sharp told the crowd at the USA. "I really want to thank Texas Tech University for allowing me to come back and get a chance to see all of you again." Sharp took the time to thank the players that came to honor her. "As a group no matter which era they played in," Sharp said, "they stood shoulder to shoulder to make womens college basketball something very special. And they took it to the level that you see here today." "It was a real special day in a whole lot of ways," Curry said. "To honor someone that has meant so much to womens basketball and this university and community, we were just happy we were able to end it on a special note for her with a win."