Lady Raiders Host Furman
December 20, 2006 | Women's Basketball
Dec. 20, 2006
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Texas Tech (8-4) vs. Furman (5-5)
December 21, 2006 • United Spirit Arena (15,050)
Lubbock, Texas • 7 p.m. • TTTN
The Game
Texas Tech (8-4) hosts Furman (5-5) on Thurs., Dec. 21, at 7 p.m., at the United Spirit Arena. It is the first game between Texas Tech and Furman. It is the Lady Raiders' last home non-conference game this season.
On the Air
The game is being televised on the Texas Tech Television Network with Drew Dougherty (play-by-play) and Crystal Boles (color analyst) calling the game. The game can be seen in Lubbock on My Lubbock TV, Suddenlink Cable channel 6. The game will also air in Amarillo on KZBZ channel 6. The game can be heard on the radio on the Texas Tech Sports Network as Ryan Hyatt calls the game. Fans can also listen to the game on the internet at www.texastech.com through RaiderVision All-Access.
The Lady Raiders
Texas Tech is 8-4 on the year after losing to No. 10/11 Arizona State, 61-45, last Monday night in Phoenix. On the year, senior Alesha Robertson leads the team in scoring at 12.8 points per game followed by junior Erin Myrick at 11.4 and freshman Jordan Murphree at 10.3. Myrick and Robertson are the top rebounders, as both are averaging 9.1 boards per outing. Myrick is shooting a team-high 52.3 percent from the field. Baughman is shooting 47.4 percent from three-point range and 86.2 percent from the free throw line. Murphree has team highs of 43 assists and 18 steals. Myrick is the top shot blocker with 22 blocks. Tech is shooting 41.9 percent from the field, 31.7 percent from the three-point arc and 72.2 percent from the charity stripe.
Scouting the Opponent
Furman owns a 5-5 record after beating Columbia College, 91-34, last Monday. On the year, juniors Jessica Lange and Chrissy Phelps lead the Lady Paladins in scoring, as both are averaging 9.9 points a game. Sophomore Courtney Opie is the top rebounder, averaging 4.8 boards per contest. Phelps leads the team in assists with 22 and freshman Lee Stephens has a team-high 17 steals. Lange is the top shot blocker with 18 blocks. Furman is shooting 39.6 percent from the field, 30.3 percent from three-point range and 65.4 percent from the free throw line.
The Coaches
Texas Tech head coach Kristy Curry is in her first year at the helm of the Lady Raider basketball program and enters the game with an 8-4 record. Curry is in her eighth year as a head coach with a career record of 187-55.
In his sixth season at Furman, Dr. Sam Dixon has a career record of 67-59.
Series Record
It is the first meeting between Texas Tech and Furman.
Last Time Out
(AP) - Now you can call them the Rain Devils.
Tenth-ranked Arizona State beat Texas Tech 61-45 on Monday night when the second outdoor game in women's college basketball history was called on account of rain with 4:18 to play at Chase Field, home of baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks.
There wasn't time to close the roof before the court got dangerously wet. The game was called because of concern that players would be injured.
The temperature was a brisk 56 degrees at tipoff under partly cloudy skies in downtown Phoenix and most of the crowd of 7,791 in the 49,000-seat stadium were bundled up like Packers fans at Lambeau Field.
In the second half, when Arizona State led by as many as 20 points, a slight wind made it even colder.
Texas Tech look a 7-2 lead, but the Sun Devils responded with a 22-5 outburst. Coach Charli Turner Thorne substitutes often and in waves, and the reserves - led by 5-foot-5 freshman Dymond Simon - triggered the run.
Simon's driving layup punctuated the surge and put Arizona State ahead 24-12 with 7:49 left in the half.
The Lady Raiders twice cut it to seven late in the first half and trailed 37-25 at the break.
Emily Westerberg scored four in a 10-0 run early in the second half that put the Sun Devils up 47-27 on Danielle Orsillo's basket with 15:12 to play. Texas Tech never got closer than 16 again.
The court used by the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury was moved from U.S. Airways Center, a block away, and installed along the first base side of the infield. The NCAA allowed players to wear long-sleeve shirts under their jerseys. Four ASU starters and one Texas Tech player did so. A couple of Arizona State players wore gloves on the bench.
The first women's outdoor game also was held at Chase - then known as Bank One Ballpark - in 2000, when Tennessee beat Arizona State 67-63.
Tennessee was invited to participate this year, too, but declined, opting instead for the warmth of Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, where the Lady Vols handed Arizona State its only loss this season.
Lady Raider Coaches
When Kristy Curry was hired as head coach, she put together one of the top coaching staffs in the country. Joining Curry on the bench this season are associate head coach Bill Brock and assistant coaches Kelly Curry and Shereka Wright. Brock comes to Tech after spending the last six seasons at Baylor. Curry arrived on the South Plains after spending the past seven years at Purdue. Wright, who was an All-American for Curry at Purdue and plays in the WNBA, is in her first year in the coaching profession.
A Look Ahead
Texas Tech opens Big 12 play at Baylor on Wed., Jan. 3, at 7 p.m., and will open their home conference schedule on Sat., Jan. 6, by hosting Oklahoma State at 7 p.m. The Baylor and Oklahoma State games will be televised on the Texas Tech Television Network. Games on the Texas Tech Television Network air locally in Lubbock on My Lubbock TV, channel 6 on Suddenlink Cable. The games on Dec. 21, Jan. 3 and Jan. 6 will also air in Amarillo on KZBZ Channel 6.
NCAA Stats
As of games through Dec. 17, Texas Tech ranks 30th in field goal percentage defense at 35.4 and 50th in blocked shots at 4.4, among all NCAA Division I teams. Junior Erin Myrick ranks 27th in rebounds per game at 9.8 and senior Alesha Robertson ranks 50th in rebounds per game at 9.4, among all NCAA Division I players.
Closing in on 200
Head coach Kristy Curry is closing in on her 200th victory. Curry is just 13 wins shy of the 200 mark with a career record of 187-55.
One for the Record Books
Last Monday night's game against No. 10/11 Arizona State was one for the record books, as for the first time in the history of NCAA women's basketball, a game was called due to rain. The Lady Raiders played the Sun Devils at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the outdoor game was called with 4:18 remaining due to rain.
More than a Dabb
Senior Chesley Dabbs scored a season-high 20 points in Texas Tech's win over Oral Roberts. Sixteen of her 20 points came in the second half as she hit her last seven shots of the game, going 7-for-8 from the field in the second half. Her previous season high was 15 against Texas-San Antonio in the season opener.
Sixth Double-Double for Robertson
Senior Alesha Robertson had 10 points and 12 rebounds versus Oral Roberts for her sixth double-double of the season. She currently has 12 double-doubles in her career.
Henderson Matches Season Output
Sophomore Tiny Henderson tied her season-high 13 points against ORU as she was 6-of-9 from the field. Henderson also scored 13 points against Tulane.
Block Buster
Junior Erin Myrick swatted three blocks against the Golden Eagles which tied her season high. Myrick leads the Lady Raiders in blocks this season with 21.
Flowers Dishes Career High
Junior Tawanna Flowers dished out a career-high three assists in the victory over Oral Roberts. Her previous career high was two assists at Ole Miss in 2005.
Season High Field Goal Percentage
Texas Tech shot a season-high 56.9 percent from the field against ORU. Tech was 33-for-58 from the field. It marked the second time this season that the Lady Raiders have shot over 50 percent, the first coming against Tulane (52.7).
Steady Hands
Texas Tech committed just 12 turnovers in its game against Oral Roberts. The 12 turnovers was a season low for the Lady Raiders, breaking the old mark of 13 at Fresno State.
Season High For Robertson
Senior Alesha Robertson scored a season-high 20 points in Texas Tech's win over Texas-Arlington. Her previous season high was 18 against Denver in Hawaii. She also added nine rebounds in the victory.
Myrick Ties Career-High Steals
Junior Erin Myrick tied her career high of three steals against UTA. She has had three steals on three occasions in her career. Myrick also tied her season high of three blocks against the Mavericks.
Double Figures for Dabbs and Murphree
Senior Chesley Dabbs and freshman Jordan Murphree each scored 11 points in the victory against UTA. It marked the fourth time this season for Dabbs to score in double figures and the seventh time for Murphree.
Doing Dishes
Senior Brooke Baughman tied her season-high five assists versus UTA and against Oral Roberts. She also had five assists against Tulane.
Double-Digit Boards
Junior Erin Myrick has grabbed double-digit rebounds six times this season, including tying her career high of 13 on three occasions, while senior Alesha Robertson has collected double-figure boards on six occasions this year, including a career-high 17 at Fresno State.
Another Career High for Myrick
For the second time this season, junior Erin Myrick scored a new career high. Myrick poured in 21 points at Fresno State for a career high in points. Her previous career high was 20 points against Texas State earlier this season.
Hittin' the Boards
Senior Alesha Robertson grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds at Fresno State breaking her old career high of 13 rebounds, which she had on three previous occasions. Robertson also added 17 points for her fifth double-double of the season.
Season High from the Charity Stripe
The Lady Raiders shot a season-high 86.7 percent from the free throw line at Fresno State. Tech was 13-for-15 from the charity stripe against the Bulldogs.
Nifty at Fifty
Tech's 52.7 percent from the field against Tulane marked the first game the Lady Raiders shot over 50 percent this season. Tech connected on 29-of-55 shot attempts against the Green Wave.
Subs Get Quality Time
In the 27-point win over Tulane, Tech's subs got some quality playing time resulting in career and season highs at that time. Sophomore Teddy Griffin played 14 minutes and recorded career highs of six points, four rebounds and three steals. Sophomore Tiny Henderson chipped in a season-high 13 points in 22 minutes, while freshman Raquel Christian finished with career highs of four rebounds and three assists in 13 minutes of action. In 12 minutes, junior Tawanna Flowers had season highs of two points and four rebounds and junior Darrice Griffin had a season-high five points in 15 minutes in just her third game of the year.
All-Tournament Team
Senior Alesha Robertson was named to the Hawaiian Airlines Rainbow Wahine Classic All-Tournament team. Robertson averaged 15.7 points and 10.3 rebounds as the Lady Raiders went 2-1 in the tournament. Joining Robertson on the all-tournament team were: Erlana Larkins (North Carolina - MVP), Lindsey Pluimer (UCLA), Michelle Elliott (Gonzaga), Janevia Taylor (Hawaii), Camille Little (North Carolina), Donica Cosby (Arkansas) and Ivory Latta (North Carolina).
Robertson and Myrick Average Double-Doubles in Hawaii
Senior Alesha Robertson and junior Erin Myrick both averaged a double-double in the Hawaiian Airlines Rainbow Wahine Classic last weekend. Robertson averaged 15.7 points and 10.3 rebounds, while Myrick averaged 14 points and 12 rebounds in the three games.
Baughman Hits the Boards
Senior Brooke Baughman grabbed a career-high seven rebounds in the win over UCLA. Her previous career high was six against Rice in 2004.
Steals and More Steals
Senior Alesha Robertson tallied a career-high five steals against Hawaii, while senior Brooke Baughman collected a career-high four steals against Denver.
Henderson Scores Double Digits
Sophomore Tiny Henderson scored 11 points against Hawaii to mark the first time this season for her to score in double figures. She was just five points shy of tying her career high of 16 points, which she set against Stanford last year.
First Double-Double of Season for Myrick
Junior Erin Myrick scored a then career-high 20 points in leading Texas Tech to a victory over Texas State. She also tied her season high of 13 rebounds for her first double-double of the season.
Robertson Reaches 500 Rebounds
Senior Alesha Robertson reached the 500-rebound mark against Texas State when she recorded 11 boards. She currently has 589 rebounds in her career.
Baughman Has Career-High Day
Senior Brooke Baughman poured in a career-high 17 points in the win at Houston last Tuesday. She also hit a career-high five three-pointers in the game. Her previous career highs were 16 points and four three-pointers against Texas last season in Lubbock.
Career High Boards for Edwards
Senior Patrice Edwards grabbed a career-high eight rebounds in the game at Houston. Her previous career high was six on two occasions.
Murphree Makes Impact
In the first two games, freshman Jordan Murphree made a big impact in the wins. In her first collegiate game, she led the Lady Raiders in scoring with 17 points against Texas-San Antonio. She also grabbed eight rebounds and dished out four assists. At Houston, Murphree finished the game with 15 points, eight assists, four steals and two blocks.
Double-Double for Robertson
Senior Alesha Robertson recorded her first double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds at Houston.
Dabbs Gets Double Digits in First Game Back
Senior Chesley Dabbs poured in 15 points in the win over UTSA. It was her first game since March 27, 2005, against Tennessee in the NCAA Sweet 16 in Philadelphia. In the game against the Roadrunners, Dabbs also finished with six rebounds, three assists and one block in 34 minutes.
Baughman Makes Presence Known
Senior Brooke Baughman scored 15 points against UTSA, just one point shy of her then career-high 16 points (vs. Texas in 2006). At that time, the 15 points marked the second-highest output for Baughman in a game in her career. She then scored a new career-high 17 points at Houston.
Myrick Nears Career-High Boards
Junior Erin Myrick has been just one rebound shy of tying her career high of 14 rebounds three times this season. Myrick grabbed 13 boards versus Texas-San Antonio in the season opener, against Texas State and at Hawaii. Myrick's career high of 14 rebounds was established at Texas A&M last season.
She's Back!
Senior Chesley Dabbs returns to the floor after missing the 2005-06 season after tearing her ACL and medial meniscus in her left knee during preseason workouts last year. Dabbs was an All-Big 12 second team selection in 2005 and averaged 12.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in 32 games, in which she started all of them.
Preseason Honors
Senior Alesha Robertson was named preseason honorable mention All-Big 12 by the coaches.
Degrees in Hand
Seniors Chesley Dabbs and Patrice Edwards have already received their degrees. Edwards graduated last May with a degree in human development and family studies, while Dabbs graduated with a triple major of accounting, finance and general business last August.
Home Sweet Home
Texas Tech has won 103 of its 113 games it has played at the United Spirit Arena for a .912 winning percentage. Tech has produced five perfect seasons at home 1999-00 (16-0), 1998-99 (14-0), 1995-96 (16-0), 1992-93 (15-0) and 1991-92 (11-0).
Winning Percentage By Class
The senior class is 72-34 (.679) and 31-17 (.646) in the Big 12. Chesley Dabbs, who redshirted last year, posts a 86-26 (.768) record and 35-13 (.729) in the conference. The junior class is 47-26 (.644) and 21-11 (.656) in the league, while the sophomore class is 23-18 (.561) and 9-7 (.563). The freshmen are 8-4 (.667).
On the Tube
Texas Tech will have 16 regular-season games televised this season. The Lady Raiders will play on ESPN2 once, FSN four times, FSN SW once, CSTV once and the Texas Tech Television Network nine times. On FSN, Tech will play at Oklahoma (Jan. 14), at Oklahoma State (Jan. 20), Oklahoma (Feb. 17), and at Texas (Feb. 24). Tech will play on FSN SW against Texas (Jan. 27) in Lubbock. Tech's game with Kansas State (Feb. 11) will be on ESPN2. The game at Kansas (Jan. 31) will be on CSTV on a taped delayed status. The Lady Raiders will have games against Texas-San Antonio (W, 66-58), Tulane (W, 77-50), Oral Roberts (W, 79-67), Furman (Dec. 21), at Baylor (Jan. 3), Oklahoma State (Jan. 6), Texas A&M (Jan. 10), Missouri (Jan. 17) and Baylor (Feb. 7) on the Texas Tech Television Network.
Follow the Lady Raiders
All Lady Raider basketball games can be heard live on the Texas Tech Sports Network on KFYO-AM 790 and KKCL-FM 98.1 locally. Listen to play-by-play by Ryan Hyatt as he takes the court with the Lady Raiders. The following radio stations will air the Lady Raider basketball games this season:
Haskell - KVRP-FM (97.1)
Hereford - KPAN-AM/FM (860/106.3)
Lamesa - KPET-AM (690)
Lubbock - KFYO-AM/KKCL-FM (790/98.1)
Plainview - KVOP-AM (1090)
Lady Raider Basketball with Kristy Curry
Kristy Curry's weekly television show, Lady Raider Basketball with Kristy Curry, will be televised every Sunday. The show will air on FOX34 at 10 p.m. and My Lubbock TV at 10:30 p.m. throughout the rest of the season. There will not be a show on Dec. 24.
The Kristy Curry Radio Show
The Kristy Curry Radio Show will be held each Monday starting Jan. 8 from 6-7 p.m. The show will air on KFYO-AM 790 and KKCL-FM 98.1 locally. The show will be held at Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar located at 4th and Milwaukee.
Tech Signs Top 10 Recruiting Class
Kristy Curry's first recruiting class was ranked 10th in the country by All Star Girls Report. Curry signed three junior college players and one high school player to national letters of intent during the early signing period. The recruiting class consists of Alana Rumph, a 5-9 guard from Keller, Texas, who plays at South Plains College; Dominic Seals, a 6-2 post from Dallas, Texas, who also plays at South Plains College; Keisha Walker, a 5-8 guard from Kansas City, Mo., who plays at Fort Scott Community College; and Jordan Jones, a 5-9 guard from Suwanee, Ga., who attends Collins Hill High School.
