The #22 Texas Tech Red Raiders began Big 12 play last night with a home game against the #18 Baylor Bears. Tech donned their grey uniforms to counter the atrocious neon green jerseys from the Bears. With the home crowd of Tech faithful, the Red Raiders gave everyone in attendance a reason to believe that this team could be a serious contender for a Big 12 title when they opened their Big 12 play with a win over the Bears 77-53.

In the first half the Red Raiders came out firing, scoring 40 points and a stifling defense kept the Bears to only 19 points going into the half. Tech kept the scoring up in the second half and never let off of the gas pedal to give Baylor their third loss of the season and possibly knock them out of the top 25.

Tech shot extremely well from every spot on the court. They finished 50% from the floor and connected with nine three-pointers as well as making 76% of their free throws. The Red Raiders out rebounded the Bears on the glass and dominated every facet of the game.

Keenan Evans was the leading scorer for the Red Raiders as he finished with 18 points including knocking down four, three-pointers. Freshman Zhaire Smith finished with 15 points and 4 boards, and the other freshman, Jarrett Culver finished with 13 points in the victory for the Red Raiders.

The next time the Red Raiders are at home will be on January 6th against the Kansas State Wildcats but their next game is arguably one of the biggest when they take on the #11 Kansas Jayhawks on January 2nd in Lawrence, Kansas.

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