Lady Raiders to Play in Paradise Jam
November 24, 2008 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 24, 2008
Complete Release in PDF Format 
Games 5, 6, 7 vs. Paradise Jam • November 27-29, 2008
University of the Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI
U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam
Reef Division
Thurs., Nov. 27 - Texas Tech vs. Iowa - 5 p.m. CST
Fri., Nov. 28 - #3/6 California vs. Texas Tech - 7:30 p.m. CST
Sat., Nov. 29 - South Florida vs. Texas Tech - 5 p.m. CST
The Games
Texas Tech (4-0) travels to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to compete in the Paradise Jam tournament Nov. 27-29. The Lady Raiders play Iowa (3-1) on Thurs., Nov. 27, at 5 p.m. CST, No. 3/6 California (3-0) on Fri., Nov. 28, at 7:30 p.m. CST, and South Florida (4-0) on Sat., Nov. 29, at 5 p.m. CST.
On the Air
The game can be heard on the radio on the Texas Tech Sports Network as Ryan Hyatt calls the game. The game can also be heard on the internet at www.texastech.com through RaiderVision All-Access.
Returning to the Paradise Jam
Texas Tech is competing in the Paradise Jam tournament for the second time. Tech won the inaugural tourney back in 2000. The Lady Raiders scored victories over Penn State (79-71) and over Southwest Missouri State (81-77) to claim the tournament title.
The Lady Raiders
Texas Tech enters the tournament with a 4-0 record after beating Texas-Arlington, 72-57, last Sunday. On the year, senior Dominic Seals is averaging 15.5 points followed by freshman Jordan Barncastle at 12.0 and junior Tilmila Martin at 10.5. Barncastle is the top rebounder, grabbing 10 boards per outing. Barncastle is shooting a team-high 53.6 percent from the field and junior Maddy Brown is shooting 39.1 percent from the three-point line. Martin is shooting 83.3 percent from the free throw line. Senior Maria Moore has a team-high 12 assists, while Seals and freshman Kierra Mallard are the top shot blockers with four blocks apiece. Martin leads the team in steals with eight. The Lady Raiders are shooting 44.1 percent from the field, 32.1 percent from three-point range and 69.7 percent from the charity stripe.
Scouting the Opponents
•Iowa has a record of 3-1 after winning the Hawkeye Challenge last week by beating Boston, 83-58, on Saturday and Providence, 64-46, on Sunday. In the game against Providence, sophomore Kachine Alexander scored a game-high 15 points while senior Megan Skouby had 13, seniors Kristi Smith and Wendy Ausdemore chipped in 11 and 10, respectively. Alexander also had 11 rebounds and three assists. Smith collected three steals. On the year, Skouby paces the Hawkeyes in scoring with a 21.3 average followed by Smith at 10.8. Alexander is the top rebounder, averaging 7.0 boards per outing. Alexander and Ausdemore both have a team-high 13 assists and Smith leads the team in steals with six. Skouby is the top shot blocker with five blocks. Iowa is shooting 48.7 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from the three-point line and 78 percent from the free throw line.
•No. 3/6 California owns a 3-0 record after upsetting then No. 3/2 Rutgers, 66-52, last Friday in Berkeley. In that game, junior Alexis Gray Lawson scored a game-high 25 points and senior Ashley Walker added 16 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Gray-Lawson and junior Natasha Vital both dished out four assists. On the year, Walker leads the Bears in scoring with a 22.0 average followed by Gray-Lawson at 14.7. Walker also is the top rebounder, grabbing 11.7 rebounds per game. Vital leads the team in assists with 10. Walker has team highs of seven steals and three blocks. Cal is shooting 42.6 percent from the field, 26.8 percent from three-point range and 72.3 percent from the charity stripe.
•South Florida is 4-0 on the year after defeating Coppin State, 97-43, last Sunday in Tampa. In that game, senior Shantia Grace poured in a school record 44 points. Senior Jasmine Sepulveda finished with 14 points and senior Brittany Denson and junior Janae Stokes both scored 10 points. Junior Porche Grant had game highs of 14 rebounds, six steals and two blocks, while junior Alexis Givands tallied six assists. On the year, Grace leads the Bulls in scoring with a 20.3 average followed by Sepulveda at 15.3 and Stokes at 13.0. Denson is the top rebounder at 7.0 boards per contest. Sepulveda has a team-high 20 assists. Givands and freshman Jasmine Wynn lead the Bulls in steals with 13 each. Denson is the top shot blocker with seven blocks. USF is shooting 45.9 percent from the field, 33.6 percent from the three-point arc and 74.7 percent from the free throw line.
The Coaches
Texas Tech head coach Kristy Curry is in her third season at the helm of the Lady Raiders. Curry has compiled a record of 36-32 at Tech and a career record of 215-83 in her 10th year. Lisa Bluder is in her ninth year as head coach of the Hawkeyes with a record of 151-99. She is also in her 28th year as a head coach with a career record of 507-241. In her fourth year as the head coach of the Bears, Joanne Boyle has a record of 71-28 and a career record of 138-57 in her seven years as a head coach. Jose Fernandez is in his ninth year as a head coach, all at South Florida. He has compiled a career record of 120-123.
Series Records
It is the first meeting between Texas Tech and Iowa.
The Lady Raiders and the Bears are meeting for the third time as the series is tied 1-1. Tech was victorious in the last game, 76-69, on Dec. 1, 2003, in Lubbock. Cal won the first contest, 62-60, on Dec. 21, 1991, in Berkeley.
Texas Tech holds a 1-0 advantage over USF in its only meeting. The Lady Raiders defeated the Bulls, 60-44, on Dec. 17, 1999, in Tampa.
Last Time Out
Dominic Seals led four players in double figures with 15 points as Texas Tech defeated Texas-Arlington, 72-57.
The Lady Raiders took a 7-6 lead over UTA (1-2) at 15:26 in the first half, a lead that would never be relinquished. Tech led by as many as 12 points in the first period before going in with a 34-28 advantage at the half.
In the second half, the Mavericks went on an 11-7 run to cut the lead to two on a jumper by Tamara Simmons with 16:24 to go in the contest. But Tech responded by going on a 10-0 run to go up by 12 points at 51-39 with 13:30 remaining.
Tech went up by as many as 16 points, 62-46, on a three-point basket by Tilmila Martin at the 7:54 mark.
The Lady Raiders scored 33 points off of turnovers compared to UTA's 14. However, the Mavericks outshot Tech, shooting 45.8 percent from the field (22-48), while the Lady Raiders shot 40 percent (28-70). UTA also outrebounded Tech 38-to-37.
Kristy Curry used her fourth starting lineup as Alana Rumph and Martin got their first career starts as Lady Raiders, joining Tiny Henderson, Jordan Barncastle and Kierra Mallard at the opening tip.
Martin, Maria Moore and Maddy Brown all scored 10 points apiece for Tech. Barncastle, Mallard and Henderson all finished with six rebounds. Henderson also collected six assists, while Martin tallied six steals.
UTA was led by Erin Dixon with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
A Look Ahead
The Lady Raiders return home for a game with UNLV on Tues., Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. That game will be televised on the Texas Tech Television Network. Tech will have 11-days off for finals before playing at New Mexico on Sat., Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. CST. The game will be televised on the Mountain West Sports Network. Tech returns home for two games prior to Christmas with contests against Prairie View A&M on Thurs., Dec. 18, at 7 p.m., and versus Sacramento State on Sat., Dec. 20, at 7 p.m. The Lady Raiders face UCLA on Mon., Dec. 29, at 7 p.m. in their final game of 2008. Tech begins 2009 with a home game against Arkansas on Sat., Jan. 3, at 2 p.m.
Change in Lineup
Head coach Kristy Curry used her fourth starting lineup in as many games against Texas-Arlington. Getting their first career starts were senior Alana Rumph and junior Tilmila Martin.
Four Score Double Figures Against UTA
Against UTA, senior Dominic Seals led Tech with 15 points, while junior Tilmila Martin, senior Maria Moore and junior Maddy Brown all chipped in 10 points each.
Made of Steal
Junior Tilmila Martin tallied a career-high six steals against the Mavericks, while senior Dominic Seals tied her career high of three steals and junior Ashlee Roberson got a career-high three steals.
Season High Numbers for Tiny
Senior Tiny Henderson collected season highs of six rebounds and six assists in the win over UTA.
Martin Consistent for Lady Raiders
Junior college transfer Tilmila Martin has been consistent for the Lady Raiders so far this season. Martin has scored double-digits in the last three games and is averaging 10.5 points in 27.5 minutes per game.
Double-Doubles Spark Win Over Lamar
Freshman Jordan Barncastle had her second-straight double-double as she mirrored her game against Washington State tying her career highs of 14 points and 13 rebounds against Lamar. Senior Dominic Seals finished the game with her first double-double of the season, and the 10th of her career, with 12 points and a season-high 10 rebounds.
More Career Highs for Freshmen
The more games played, the more the freshmen set career highs in their first year at Tech. Jordan Barncastle dished out a career-high four assists, while Kierra Mallard had a career-best two blocks versus the Lady Cardinals. Barncastle also hit her first career three-pointer at Tech against Lamar.
Barncastle Records Double-Double in Win Over Cougars
Freshman Jordan Barncastle recorded her first career double-double with career highs of 14 points and 13 rebounds in Tech's win over Washington State.
Career High for Martin and Mallard
Junior Tilmila Martin came off the bench and scored a career-high 14 points against the Cougars in 25 minutes of action, while freshman Kierra Mallard tallied a career-high four steals.
Seals' First 20-Point Output
Senior Dominic Seals poured in 21 points versus Washington State, marking her first 20-point output of the season. Last year, Seals scored 20 or more points eight times with a career high of 27 points against Texas on Jan. 20, 2008.
Five in Double Digits in Season Opener
Texas Tech had five players score in double digits in its season opener against Idaho. Junior Maddy Brown led the way with 18 points followed by freshman Kierra Mallard with 16, junior Dominic Seals with 14 and junior Jordan Murphree and freshman Jordan Barncastle with 13 apiece.
Brown Has Career High at Tech
Junior Maddy Brown's 18 points against Idaho were a career high for her at Tech. Brown, who played her freshman year at Pittsburgh, scored 21 points against Duquesne on Nov. 30, 2005 for the Panthers. Brown also tied her career high of five three-pointers against the Vandals.
Did You Feel It?
Tech's three newcomers made their presence felt in their first collegiate game against Idaho. Freshman Kierra Mallard had 16 points and eight rebounds, while fellow freshman Jordan Barncastle finished with 13 points and eight boards. Junior Tilmila Martin chipped in seven points and five rebounds in the victory.
`Reddy' or Not Here We Come
The season-opening game marked a first in a long time for Tech as the Lady Raiders sported red uniforms for the first time at home during the Kristy Curry era. Tech had always worn white uniforms in Lubbock the last two years. It is thought Tech has only worn red at home on one other occasion in a tournament they hosted in the `90s. The Lady Raiders wore the red uniforms again versus UTA.
Keeping Control
Texas Tech committed just nine turnovers versus Idaho. It marked the first time the Lady Raiders had less than 10 turnovers since committing nine turnovers against Iowa State on March 1, 2007.
Fifty Percent
The Lady Raiders shot over 50 percent in their first outing of the season. Tech shot 53.2 percent from the field against the Vandals, connecting on 33-of-62 shots. Tech shot 50 percent or better on four occasions last season.
New Faces
The Lady Raiders have five new additions to this year's roster. Sophomore Kaylan Talley redshirted last year after suffering a torn ACL during the 2007 summer. Tech welcomed four new faces to campus this year in junior Tilmila Martin and freshmen Jordan Barncastle, Lindie Kimbro and Kierra Mallard. Kimbro is redshirting the 2008-09 season.
Class Breakdown
This year's teams consists of five seniors - Tiny Henderson, Maria Moore, Alana Rumph, Dominic Seals and Keisha Walker; four juniors - Maddy Brown, Tilmila Martin, Jordan Murphree and Ashlee Roberson; one sophomore - Kaylan Talley; and three freshmen - Jordan Barncastle, Lindie Kimbro and Kierra Mallard.
Across the Nation
The 13 Lady Raiders hail from four states across the country with 10 coming from the state of Texas. Junior Maddy Brown is from the furthest east, hailing from Honeoye Falls, N.Y., while senior Maria Moore is from the furthest west coming from Sparks, Nev. And senior Keisha Walker calls Kansas City, Mo., home.
Degree in Hand
Senior Tiny Henderson graduated in August 2008 with a degree in exercise and sports science. Henderson is currently working on a master's degree in sports management.
On the Tube
Texas Tech will have 11 regular-season games televised this season. The Lady Raiders will appear on FSN twice, FSN Rocky Mountain (FSNRM) and Mountain West Sports Network (MWSN) once each and the Texas Tech Television Network (TTTN) seven times. Tech will play at New Mexico (Dec. 13) on MWSN. The Lady Raiders host Baylor (Jan. 24) and play at Nebraska (Feb. 14) both on FSN. Tech's seven games on the TTTN include UNLV (Dec. 2), UCLA (Dec. 29), Kansas State (Jan. 21), Oklahoma (Feb. 17), Iowa State (Feb. 28) at Oklahoma (Mar. 4) and Missouri (Mar. 7).
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/Abilene - 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 starting Jan. 4. The show will air on FOX34 at 10 p.m. and My Lubbock TV at 10:30 p.m.
The Kristy Curry Radio Show
The Kristy Curry Radio Show will be held each Monday starting Jan. 5 from 6-7 p.m. The show will air on KFYO-AM 790 locally. The show will be held at Dion's located at 2721 82nd Street. There will not be a show on Mon., Feb. 2, but rather on Tues., Feb. 3, as the Lady Raiders have a home game on Feb. 2.
