Dennis leads No. 19 Texas Tech past Jackson State in 76-42 opener

A Decisive First Half

Damarion Dennis made an immediate impact in his debut for No. 19 Texas Tech, scoring 22 points to lead the Red Raiders to a 76-42 victory over Jackson State on Monday night. The game was effectively decided in the first half, as the home team built an insurmountable 38-18 lead by the break.

Dennis, who accounted for a significant portion of that early scoring, connected on three-pointers and dunks to establish the momentum before the second quarter even began. The Red Raiders’ offensive surge left the Tigers trailing by 20 points at halftime, a deficit that would never close.

Statistical Highlights

Beyond Dennis’s scoring prowess, the Red Raiders displayed balanced contributions across the court. Cruz Davis orchestrated the offense with five assists, while Josiah Moseley provided a strong presence on the glass with eight rebounds. The team’s ability to distribute the ball and maintain offensive pressure was evident in their consistent scoring throughout the game.

In contrast, Jackson State struggled to find a rhythm, with their offense sputtering against the Red Raiders’ defensive intensity. The lack of consistent scoring opportunities for the Tigers made it difficult to mount a comeback, especially after the first half concluded with such a significant gap.

Final Stretch and Records

The second half was a formality for Texas Tech, as they managed the game and extended their lead. Dennis continued to score, finishing with 22 points, while the Red Raiders’ defense kept Jackson State in check. The Tigers’ top scorer, Mike Williams, managed 11 points, but it was not enough to overcome the early deficit.

Daeshun Ruffin contributed three assists for Jackson State, and Nikk Williams led the team in rebounding with nine boards. Despite these efforts, the Tigers could not match the pace and execution of the Red Raiders. The final score of 76-42 reflected the dominance of the home team from the opening tip to the final buzzer.

Season Opener Results

With this win, Texas Tech improves to 1-0 on the season, marking a strong start to their campaign. The Red Raiders’ performance in this opener sets a high standard for the rest of the season, showcasing their depth and talent. For Jackson State, the loss drops them to 0-1, providing a valuable learning experience as they look to improve in upcoming games.

The game was played at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, with an attendance of 13,087. The Red Raiders’ victory in this season opener highlights their potential and sets the tone for their journey ahead.

Sources

ESPN