West Virginia Mountaineers Use Press Defense to Beat Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Texas Tech Red Raiders opening gauntlet for their Big 12 Conference schedule continued Monday night at the United Supermarkets Arena.  The West Virginia Mountaineers came to Lubbock for a 'Big Monday' match-up on ESPNU.

The Mountaineers (14-1, 2-0) used strong press defense and inside offense to beat the Red Raiders (10-5, 0-2) 78-67. The Red Raiders had trouble holding on to the ball committing 22 turnovers in the loss.  They also lost the battle of points in the paint 36-18.

Standout guard, Juwan Staten, overcame flu-like symptoms to lead the Mountaineers with 16 points. When asked about Staten's health West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins (pictured) said, "When I walked into the locker room (after the game) he was in there throwing up in the trash can. And they were like 'Juwan's in there throwing up'. I said 'good'. That's a good thing, that's what men do. Men go do their job."

Huggins continued, "That's what men do, don't let a little cold bother you, go play. Sweat it out." Staten shot 6/15 from the field and had missed the Mountaineers previous game last Saturday at TCU.

Overall, five different Mountaineers scored in double digits and they shot 62% from the field in the second half.

Texas Tech's leading scorers were Devaugntah Williams who scored 21 points and Toddrick Gotcher who came off the bench to score 14 points.

Justin Gray was limited to two points in six minutes of playing time.  Texas Tech head coach Tubby Smith said Gray's tendinitis flared up in his knee and forced him out of the game.  Smith went on to say that Gray will be limited in practice and will be a game-time decision in the Red Raiders next few games.

Texas Tech now gets four days off to regroup before playing at the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday.  Tip-off is at 2pm and the game will be televised on ESPNU.