Texas Tech basketball: Lady Raiders look to end skid against No. 13 Iowa State
Despite a three-game losing streak, Texas Tech women's basketball coach Krista Gerlich said the team is keeping a positive demeanor.
The Lady Raiders were "very disappointed, but they weren't deflated or defeated" following Wednesday's 88-80 loss to No. 11 Baylor. Tech trailed by as many as 16 in the second quarter before mounting a comeback to tie it late in the game.
It was that resolve that Gerlich pointed to as reason for optimism as the Big 12 Conference grind continues Saturday against No. 13 Iowa State.
"I think they just have proven again that they can play with anybody in this conference," Gerich said. "It's just a matter of showing up every day and putting their best foot forward … I thought we showed a lot of growth, actually, and maturity in the fact that they could've laid down (Wednesday). I think that's part of our culture that we're building.
"I think we saw it kind of build right there in front of our eyes in that game."
Texas Tech women's basketball: No. 11 Baylor fends off Lady Raiders
Gerlich said part of the inconsistency this season, which has seen Tech beat ranked opponents in Texas and Kansas State, is trying to find chemistry and the belief "they are capable."
After some doubt in the first quarter, Gerlich said, Tech found that belief, outscoring the Bears 66-59.
The Lady Raiders will turn their attention to Iowa State, which is tied with Oklahoma for the Big 12 lead. The Cyclones are second in the conference in scoring (78.4 points per game) and second in scoring margin (plus-15.8).
Ashley Joens leads the way for Iowa State, averaging 20.3 points, good for second in the Big 12. Last season the All-American won the Cheryl Miller Award, which is presented to the nation's top small forward.
Texas Tech basketball: Lady Raiders welcome NaLyssa Smith, Baylor to United Supermarkets Arena
Joens posted her 10th double-double after 21 points and 11 rebounds in Iowa State's 77-62 win over Kansas on Wednesday. Three other Cyclones hit double digits, including Aubrey Joens (16), Emily Ryan (14) and Lexi Donarski (14).
Iowa State knocked down 11 3-pointers, a strength Gerlich is hoping Tech can slow down. The Cyclones are the country's only team with three players who have made at least 50 treys.
"Iowa State is a matchup problem for us," Gerlich said. "They can really, really shoot the 3. So you cannot help (defensively) really anywhere. They're just so lethal from the 3-point line. We're going to have to limit the ability for them to shoot the 3 some."
The Lady Raiders offense will look to carry its momentum forward after shooting 52.8% against Baylor. Bryn Gerlich scored a career-high 22 points, while Vivian Gray added 21 and Taylah Thomas had 13. Lexy Hightower and Rhyle McKinney scored nine and eight, respectively.
Gerlich also led the team with seven assists, part of 17 for the team.
"I think she's playing really confident," Krista Gerlich said. "I think she's being a great leader and just being really aggressive. I think the more that she's attack-minded and knows that she can help us scoring-wise, the better we are."
No. 13 Iowa State at Texas Tech
BIG 12 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
When: 12:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: United Supermarkets Arena
Records: Iowa State 17-3, 6-2; Texas Tech 9-10, 2-6
Radio: 107.7 FM
Game coverage: Follow @byStephenGarcia on Twitter for live updates, with postgame recap and interviews on lubbockonline.com.
Big 12 standings
Team, conference, overall
Iowa State 6-2, 17-3
Oklahoma 6-2, 17-3
Texas 5-2, 15-3
Baylor 4-2, 14-4
Kansas State 5-3, 15-5
Kansas 3-4, 12-5
West Virginia 3-4, 10-7
TCU 2-5, 6-10
Texas Tech 2-6, 9-10
Oklahoma State 1-7, 6-11
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech women's basketball preview: Lady Raiders vs. Iowa State
