Turnovers Doom Texas Tech Red Raiders in 64-55 Loss to Oklahoma Sooners

The Texas Tech Red Raiders remained winless in Big 12 play with a 64-55 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners at the Lloyd Noble Center.

The Red Raiders remained competitive throughout the game despite turning the ball over 21 times, with 15 of the turnovers coming in the first half, and only shooting 32% from the field. Jordan Tolbert and Javarez Willis each had 5 turnovers during the game.

Texas Tech Head Coach Billy Gillispie talked about the high number of turnovers, "It’s very frustrating when (the Sooners) weren’t making the shots and we were right in the position we needed to be, even after turning the ball over 15 times in the first half. They just were missing some shots and giving us some opportunities. And we just make so many bad decisions. Stepping out of bounds twice unforced. And just like I said, turning the ball over 15 times, that really puts you in a hole in the first half.”

Tech's largest lead of the game was four points, 10-6, six minutes into the game.  With poor ball handling and shooting, the Sooners took over the lead, 20-18, with 5:49 left in the half and were up 29-22 at halftime.

Oklahoma's largest lead of the game was 9 points, at 31-22, which came at the 18:07 mark of the second half. The Sooners were led by guard Steven Pledger and his 17 points. He shot 6/13 from the field, 1/6 3-pointers and 4/4 from the free throw line. The Sooners post players, Andrew Fitzgerald and Romero Osby were able to assert their authority in the paint for a combined 28 points.

Texas Tech was able to cut OU's lead down to 1 point with 4 minutes left in the game.  However, a Romero Osby lay-up put the Sooners back up 50-47 with 3:36 left and they were able to fend off the Red Raiders for the rest of the game.

Javarez Willis led the Red Raiders off the bench with 16 points and Jaye Crockett contributed 14 points.  Coming off of his one game suspension, Terran Petteway scored 7 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.

Texas Tech's record is now 7-10 (0-5), while the Sooners are 12-5 (2-3).

Texas Tech's next game is Saturday afternoon, hosting Iowa State at the United Spirit Arena.