LUBBOCK, Texas – Seniors Davion Buster and C.J. Roberts led Lamar University with 20 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome a 14-point Texas Tech run to open the game as LU drops an 89-57 decision at Texas Tech.
 
It was a tough matchup for the Cardinals (1-6) who were down two starters. Big Red shot 21-of-55 (.382) from the field, and 9-of-25 (.360) from three-point range but just 3-of-11 (.273) triples in the second half. LU was hurt by turnovers early but forced their hosts into more miscues by the end of the game (TTU – 17, LU – 16). Unfortunately, the Cardinals struggled to take advantage of the Tech turnovers scoring just eight points off the mistakes.
 
Tech shot 27-of-50 (.540) from the field after a hot start but cooled off in the second half making just nine field goals. Eleven of the Red Raiders field goals were from long range. Tech also held the advantage on the glass outrebounding LU, 41-21. The Red Raiders were led by 20 points from Kevin Obanor.
 
Texas Tech knocked down their first three shots of the game – all three-pointers – to build a 14-point lead. On the other end of the floor, the Cardinals struggled going 0-for-4 with three turnovers earlier in the contest which aided Tech's opening surge.
 
Senior Ellis Jefferson put an end to the run with two free throws. The Cards' first field goal came just moments later on a fast break and-one from C.J. Roberts (who beat the defense down the court on a full-length pass from Jefferson).
 
The Cardinals managed to trim the deficit down to 10 but struggled to slow down the Red Raiders' offense. Texas Tech went into the locker room with a 52-33 advantage after shooting 62 percent in the opening half, including an 8-of-14 (.571) effort from three-point range. Texas Tech also took a 22-7 advantage on the glass into the locker room.
 
LU settled down after the slow start and finished the half 12 for their final 25 shooting better than 41 percent for the half, including a 6-of-14 (.429) effort from long range.
 
Cards scored the first four points of the second half, but the Red Raiders responded by scoring the next 10 points. Big Red never managed to get any closer after that.
 
The Cardinals will be back in action Thursday when they travel to Starkville, Miss., to take on Mississippi State. The game against the Bulldogs will tip off at 7 p.m.