Texas Tech Athletics
Rutgers
Lady Raiders Roll Past Rutgers
January 02, 2003 | Women's Basketball
Jan 2, 2003
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) - In a game that with all the trappings of a postseason showdown, Texas Tech's Plenette Pierson wanted to make sure she elevated her play.
Pierson matched her career high with 31 points and added a career-high 17 rebounds in leading the eighth-ranked Lady Raiders to a 94-81 victory Thursday night over Rutgers.
"This was definitely a physical game; it was a different atmosphere," Pierson said. "We knew that team would come out and try to pound it in against us. We wanted to do the same thing to them."
Just how physical was it?
"I have a little knot in my back from an elbow or two," Pierson said with a smile afterward. "But I'll get over it."
Texas Tech coach Marsha Sharp was impressed with her team's play.
"I think that was a great game," she said. "And it was one that will really help us in Big 12 play.
"Rutgers made us play every trip at both ends of the court. When you play against great athletes like that, you want to put yourself in a situation where people can make plays. Erin (Grant) delivered the ball and Plenette finished it."
Grant, the Lady Raiders' point guard, turned in her first double-double with 11 points and 12 assists in helping Tech win its 10th consecutive game.
"They have great athletes, and they execute extremely well," Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer said. "That team has it all. In a lot of ways, they mirrored us in what we hope to do and what we have to do. Hopefully, this was an eye-opener for us."
Natalie Ritchie added 18 points and Cisti Greenwalt 14 for the Lady Raiders (10-1).
Texas Tech led 48-35 at halftime, but Rutgers started the second half quickly and pulled to 55-44 with 16:53 remaining on a layup by Dawn McCullouch.
Grant hit a 3-pointer and Pierson scored inside, pushing the lead to 60-44 with 15:41 to go.
Rutgers (6-3) put together another charge later in the second half, outscoring the Lady Raiders 15-8 and pulling to 70-62 on a 3-pointer by Chelsea Newton with 7:51 remaining.
Cappie Pondexter scored eight of her 29 points during the surge.
Tech, however, responded by scoring seven of the next 11 points to take an 86-74 lead.
Jia Perkins finished with 10 points for Texas Tech. Shalicia Hurns had 10 points and 11 rebounds for Rutgers.
"I thought that game was a great test for both teams," Pondexter said. "It helped us see where we are, and it was probably the same for Texas Tech. They have a great team, and Pierson is a great player."
