Kansas State Wildcats End Texas Tech’s Undefeated Streak
In a thrilling matchup in Lubbock, Texas, the Kansas State Wildcats ended the Texas Tech Lady Raiders’ undefeated streak with a 65-59 victory on Saturday. This loss marked a significant moment for the 17th ranked Texas Tech team, which had boasted a remarkable 19-0 record until this encounter.
Rebounding Dominance
Kansas State’s effort was highlighted by a remarkable team performance on the boards, where they out-rebounded the Lady Raiders with a staggering margin of 46 to 20. This rebounding prowess translated into a decisive 28-14 advantage in points scored in the paint and a 14-3 advantage in second-chance points. Such dominance at the glass effectively minimized the impact of the Lady Raiders’ turnover lead, as Texas Tech had 18 turnovers compared to Kansas State’s 10 but could only score 5 points off those mistakes compared to Kansas State’s 18.
Player Highlights
Leading the charge for Kansas State was Tess Heal, who contributed 12 points along with four rebounds and three steals. Close behind were teammates Gina Garcia, Jordan Speiser, and Taryn Sides, each chipping in 11 points. Speiser was particularly impressive on the boards, securing seven rebounds and adding two steals to her stats.
For the Lady Raiders, Bailey Maupin stood out with 18 points and two steals, while Jada Malone added 15 points, making a notable 5 out of 8 shooting and perfect from the free-throw line. Snudda Collins also made an impact with 12 points, including pivotal plays during critical moments of the game.
Game Summary
After heading into halftime with a slim 30-25 lead, Kansas State initiated a dominating 14-3 run to extend their lead. However, Texas Tech responded aggressively with an 11-0 run fueled by Malone’s seven-point contribution and a crucial four-point play by Collins, pushing them ahead by six points with just over eight minutes remaining. Yet, as the clock wound down, Kansas State regained their composure, finishing the game strong with an 8-1 run that sealed their victory.
Looking Ahead
With this defeat, Texas Tech’s remarkable start to the season came to an end, showcasing their excellent performance thus far but also highlighting the competitive nature of the Big 12 Conference.
Looking ahead, Kansas State aims to build on this momentum with a home game against Houston on Wednesday, while Texas Tech will hit the road to face BYU on the same day.
