Red Raiders Open Play In Continental Tires Las Vegas Classic
December 17, 2014 | Men's Basketball
December 16, 2014
LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech will open play in the 2014 Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic as it hosts South Carolina State at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the opening round at the United Supermarkets Arena.
The Red Raiders are looking to run their current win streak to seven straight, while staying perfect at home (8-0) this season.
"We have three games in six days and are trying to stay focused on the task ahead," said Red Raider head coach Tubby Smith. "With each game, we are getting better. We just have to continue to progress as we get closer to conference play."
Texas Tech is currently 7-1 on the season -- its best start since the 2009-10 season.
"I do not know what has caused the slow starts," added Smith. "Maybe it is a situation where both teams are feeling each other out. We have played better in the second half in every game this season. We have also had players step up when needed."
Texas Tech has had five different players lead the team in scoring through eight games. The last time out, it was sophomore Randy Onwuasor, who came off the bench to pace Texas Tech with 14 points.
Leading the Red Raiders in scoring this season is Devaugntah Williams at 11.3 points per game, followed by freshman Norense Odiase (10.3 points).
South Carolina State has won three of their last six games after starting the season 0-4. The Bulldogs are in first place of the Mideastern Athletic Conference at 2-0.
Texas Tech is in search of its 12th pre-conference tournament title as it begins play in the Las Vegas Classic. After Wednesday's game with South Carolina State, the Red Raiders will face Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Friday at 8 p.m. at the United Supermarkets Arena. After Friday's game, the Red Raiders will travel to Las Vegas to face Loyola Chicago on Monday and either Boise State or Houston on Tuesday.
