Texas Tech’s JT Toppin looks to make a move against Bethune-Cookman during a non-conference basketball game, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at United Supermarkets Arena. After an impressive season-opening performance, Texas Tech shifts its focus to Northwestern State on Friday in Lubbock, Texas.
The Red Raiders tied their score record by hitting 16 3-pointers in their 94-61 win over Bethune-Cookman on Tuesday.
That sharp shooting was part of a solid all-around offensive night for Texas Tech (1-0), which shot 63.3 percent from the floor in the first half (19 of 30). All five starters scored in double digits in the lopsided win. Kerwin Walton led the way with 21 points, going 7-of-12 from 3-point territory.
The Red Raiders dominated every phase of the game, finishing with 24 fastbreak points, 32 points in the paint and 18 second-chance points. Texas Tech also notched 15 assists and dominated the backboards 44-21.
“When you start off the game, you can see your team settle into what really is your identity,” Red Raiders coach Grant McCasland said. “We shared the ball well and I was excited about the way we rebounded. The emphasis is on how well we can guard the ball and be disruptive defensively while maintaining aggressiveness on offense to put people on their heels.”
That could be tested against the Demons (1-0), who delivered a similar offensive outing to cruise past Dallas Christian to begin the season. Northwestern State shot 50 percent from the floor (31 of 62) to pull away for the win as four players scored in double figures.
Veteran guard Jon Sanders II, a transfer from Coastal Carolina, led the Demons with 16 points and connected on three of his team’s 10 treys. Rick Cabrera is in his second season as coach at Northwestern State, which is looking to bounce back from a 9-23 season.
“From a basketball standpoint, these are the kinds of games where you want to get better,” Cabrera said. “I didn’t like us too much defensively in the second half. We gave up double-digit offensive rebounds. These guys know a long jump shot is going to bring a long rebound, but we’ll get better.”
This is also the second season for McCasland at Texas Tech after a successful run at North Texas. He guided the Red Raiders to a 23-11 mark and an NCAA Tournament appearance, where they lost to NC State in the first round.
–Field Level Media
