Lexi Gordon and Vivian Gray lead Lady Raiders to dominant win over Incarnate Word

Photo CC: Brad Tollefson/ Lubbock A-J Media

The Incarnate Word Lady Cardinals scored the first points of a game, a three-pointer. From then on out, this game was in control of the Texas Tech Lady Raiders. Lexi Gordon and Vivian Gray both scored over 25 points to lead the team and everyone that suited up scored for the Lady Raiders. It was a truly dominant win for the team in their last non-conference game of the season.

As stated before, Incarnate Word got on the board first with a three-pointer by Jaackulyn Moore. Vivian Gray then went on a 6-0 run by herself to put the Lady Raiders up 6-3. Lexi Gordon pushed the lead by getting a lay-up and free-throw on the next possession. The Lady Raiders were very aggressive going to the paint the entire first quarter as the vast majority of their points were made off of lay-ups and mid-range jumpers. At the end of the first quarter, the Lady Raider lead was ten with a score of 19-9.

Texas Tech started the second period by going on a short 6-0 run before the Lady Cardinals hit a three-point shot. This is when the jumpers started falling for the Lady Raiders and they extended their lead. Lexi Gordon and Vivian Gray led the team in this quarter, hitting shot after shot to push the Lady Raiders’ lead to over 20 points going into halftime.

The lead just grew in the third quarter as Lexi Gordon came out of the break on fire, putting up eight straight points coming out of the half. Gray responded by scoring on three of the next four possessions. Gray and Gordon combined to score all but two of the Lady Raiders’ points. Gordon totaled 14, and Gray totaled 10.

The fourth quarter was more high scoring than any of the others. Most of the Lady Raider starters got a rest and the backups got a ton of playing time. Khadija Faye came off the bench and scored ten points while blocking a team-high four shots on the day. Maka Jackson also made a huge contribution off the bench scoring only four points, both off of her two steals, she also grabbed six rebounds and dished out three assists.

The Lady Raiders were dominant in this one. Two players finished with double-doubles, and they outrebounded Incarnate Word 58-18. Every Lady Raider that suited up not only scored, but collected at least three rebounds. The team also secured 15 offensive rebounds and got a ton of second-chance points.

The scoring ability of Gordon and Gray were also very impressive. There was a period in this game from the middle of the second quarter to the end of the third quarter where the duo completely took over the game. If these two can consistently score like they did today, they will be a very tough out in Big 12 play.

This coaching staff has decided to start a smaller lineup, with Alexis Tucker, who finished with a double-double today, playing the center position. This has worked well, as it allows Naje’ Murray to start the game and the Lady Raiders love to use Murray’s shooting ability on the floor.

This team really impressed me today, even against an inferior opponent. The 2-3 zone that the team runs has been super-effective, even against a team that shoots a ton from the outside like Incarnate Word. It allows for everyone to block out and get rebounds and the rebounding from this team is what allowed the team to push the lead so far in this game.

The Lady Raiders next face the Oklahoma State Cowgirls on Saturday in Stillwater.

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