Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Loyola (Md.)
Texas Tech Tops Loyola, 71-59
November 14, 2014 | Men's Basketball
November 14, 2014
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) - Norense Odiase recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead Texas Tech to a 71-59 win against Loyola Maryland on Friday night in the season opener for both teams at United Supermarkets Arena.
Odiase, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, became the first freshman center to not only start a season opener, but he also became the first freshman to record a double-double in his debut.
"I have not had a player the caliber of Norense in a long time," said Red Raider head coach Tubby Smith. "His physicality was great. I haven't had a player that enjoyed contact like that since Trevor Mbakwe at Minnesota."
The Red Raiders relied on youth on Friday, as Texas Tech started one senior (Robert Turner), one junior (Randy Onwuasor) and three freshmen (Justin Gray, Zach Smith and Odiase). It is the first time in school history that the Red Raiders have started three freshmen in a game. It was also the youngest starting lineup in school history.
Odiase turned up the pressure in the second half, as the 6-9 center recorded nine points and seven rebounds in the second half.
The second storyline of the game was the father-son matchup between head coaches, as Texas Tech's Tubby Smith matched wits with his son G.G. Smith, who skippered the Greyhounds. It was the 19th time in NCAA history to pit father against son. Tubby moved the leger to 17-2 in game featuring fathers and sons as head coaches.
Loyola Maryland jumped out fast, as the Greyhounds connected on five straight 3-pointers to open the game. Loyola Maryland jumped out to a quick 17-6 lead to open the game. Tech gradually battled back, cutting it to two points three times before tying the game, 26-26, with 6:14 to play in the first.
Another trey by Loyola Maryland's Eric Laster gave the Greyhounds back the lead, 29-26. Three free throws by Odiase and the game was tied again, 29-29.
The two teams traded free thows and the lead before a 3-pointer by Keenan Evans gave the Red Raiders the lead for good, 33-31, with 1:26 to play in the first.
Two more made free throws by Evans gave Texas Tech a 35-31 halftime lead.
Onwuasor built the lead to seven, while he drained a 3-pointer to give Texas Tech a 42-35 with 17:29 to play in the first.
In all, three other Red Raiders scored in double figures - Devaugntah Williams (13), Toddrick Gotcher (10) and Keenan Evans (10).
The Greyhounds were paced by Andre Walker's 17, while Eric Laster added 15 and Tyler Hubbard chipped in 12.
After struggling in the two exhibition games, Texas Tech found its groove from deep. The Red Raiders missed their first four attempts for 3-point range, before finishing 7 of 14 from deep.
The Greyhounds' Eric Laster scored 15 points. Odiase earned a double-double, adding 10 rebounds.
