The Lady Raiders Tame The Lady Lions 70-66

It was the first time in six years that there was a match up of Top 20 teams in the United Spirit Arena. The 19th ranked Texas Tech Lady Raiders hosted the 16th ranked Penn State Lady Lions Saturday and the 8 thousand plus fans saw a classic.

Let me say this. The crowd was into it. It has been a long time since I have seen an atomsphere like there was Saturday in the USA. It was loud. How loud was it. There were times, especially on Jordan Barncastle's shot at the end, you could not hear me on the microphone.

There were 17 lead changes and at the end, the Lady Raiders had the final say. With 3 seconds left on the clock and shot 1 tick left on the shot clock, and with the ball out underneath our own basket, Monique Smalls found Jordan Barncastle in the corner.

Barncastle had no choice but to shoot it. As they say, "nothin' but net". The 3 pointer put the Lady Raiders up by 4 with 2 seconds left on the clock. Penn State inbounded the ball the pass was caught by Kierra Mallard, game over.

Earlier in the week, coach Kristy Curry said her team had to rebound better. Saturday the Lady Raiders out rebounded Penn State 48-36. Tech also pulled down 22 offensive rebounds.

Kierra Mallard for Tech had a huge game with 18 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.

Make no mistake about it, this was a huge statement game. When March comes around and selections are made for the tournament, this a game that the NCAA will take notice of.

The Lady Raiders will host UT-Arlington this Wednesday in the United Spirit Arena.
Tip off is at 7pm.