by LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech senior Kelsi Baker scored seven of her 16 points in overtime to help lead the Lady Raiders to an 81-77 win over Texas State on Tuesday at United Supermarkets Arena.
Baker was one of three Lady Raiders in double digits. Junior Rayven Brooks scored a career-high 19 points and five assists while redshirt sophomore Minta Spears added 17 and was a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc.
“I think you saw a little bit about what this team is about as far as being able to fight and continue to get back into ball games,” Tech head coach Candi Whitaker said. “We obviously don’t want to dig the holes that we did but very proud they found ways to win we had several people step up and make enormous plays at huge times and just got it done. Very, very pleased with a lot of things along those lines. We’ve got to fix some interior defense and other things, but huge heart and huge fight with this team.”
Tech (2-0) overcame an early 11-point deficit in the first half and then again late after trailing by nine midway through the second half. Baker cramped up and was forced to leave with one minute remaining in the second half. Spears then hit a late 3-pointer and teammate Jamie Roe made a key stop at midcourt to help force extra time.
“I went crazy,” Brooks said of Jamie Roe’s (Cherokee Nation) near steal at midcourt. “I was so proud of her because Jamie (Roe) is one of our key defensive players on our team. When Jamie picks it up, we all pick it up. I think that was what helped us out the most on defense.”
Baker re-entered the game and scored seven of Tech’s 15 points in overtime including three free throws down the stretch.
It was Tech’s first overtime win since beating West Virginia, 77-73, in Morgantown on Jan. 22, 2013.
“I think we picked up the intensity a little bit and we kept getting stops at critical junctures in the game,” Baker said. “It all starts with a stop, you know if you can get a stop and come back with a foul or a score then the tie starts to turn a little bit.”
Tech’s 81 points was its most since posting 86 against Grambling last season.
The Lady Raiders will turn their attention to Arizona (0-1) for a 7 p.m. tip on Friday back at United Supermarkets Arena.
