Start of a new rivalry?

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — When Texas Tech took a 43-41 lead against West Virginia in its eventual 77-73 overtime victory, neither team went up by more than two points in regulation.

Tech and Big 12 Conference newcomer West Virginia had never played in women’s hoops prior to Tuesday’s game.

The two squads were supposed to be relatively even on paper.

Both had stout defenses (among the top three in league play in scoring defense) and both were led by strong guard play.

“We felt like coming in that we were very similar and (had) very similar styles,” Tech coach Kristy Curry said, “and really wanted to play pressure defense.”

Curry said Tech guards Casey Morris and Chynna Brown were very similar to West Virginia guards Christal Caldwell and Taylor Palmer.

“Mike (Carey) does a great job,” Curry said of the West Virginia coach, “and it’s going to be a tough place to come up and play. We were just fortunate to make a few more plays down the stretch.”

Renewed bench play sparks Lady Raiders

The Lady Raider bench has not played up to coach Kristy Curry’s standards in some of Tech’s Big 12 Conference games this season.

The first half was no exception Tuesday, as the five Tech reserves scored two points in 17 combined minutes.

The second half was a different story, particularly for Amber Battle and Shauntal Nobles.

“I thought our bench in the first half was horrendous,” Curry said, “and I thought the second half it was absolutely awesome.”

Battle and Nobles were the only bench players who logged time in the second half, and they combined for nine points.

Nobles hit two shots in the last 46 seconds of the second half, tying the game on each of them.

Amber Battle’s 3-pointer with 14:28 to go in the second half gave Tech its first lead since the 15:43 mark of the first half.

Holmes shines in loss

West Virginia’s Bria Holmes scored a career-high 17 points in her team’s 77-73 loss to Texas Tech on Tuesday.

The true freshman scored 15 points in the second half and overtime, connecting on a pair of 3-pointers that helped West Virginia’s offense maintain at least a two-point lead much of the second half.

“Well, she can score.” West Virginia coach Mike Carey said. “Bria’s got to learn to play a little harder and play a little bit better defense. She’s a big guard and can score inside out.”

She had only scored seven total points in Big 12 Conference play before Tuesday’s outburst.

Free Throws

The Lady Raiders improved to 1-1 in overtime games this season. Their other overtime game was a 50-48 loss to Michigan State ... The Mountaineers became the first team to score more than 65 points against Texas Tech this season ... Kelsi Baker, who scored in double digits nine times in non-conference play, has now missed the double-digit mark for the sixth time in seven league games.

Compiled by Tommy Magelssen