Shavers shines in Tech’s win over the Jayhawks

LUBBOCK, Texas – Behind a 25-point performance from Jasmine Shavers, the Texas Tech Lady Raiders took down the Kansas Jayhawks, 73-64, on Saturday afternoon at the United Supermarkets Arena to snap a four-game Jayhawk win streak.

Shavers was just three points away from tying her career high in points with 25 as she almost collected her second double-double of the year with nine rebounds for the Lady Raiders (13-3, 2-1 Big 12). Shavers also made eight field goals and shot 53.3 percent from the field against the Jayhawks (7-7, 0-3 Big 12).

Two other Lady Raiders reached double figures in Ashley Chevalier and Bailey Maupin, who both tallied 10 points apiece. Chevalier drew five fouls on the day, while shooting perfectly going 3-of-3 from the field, two of those from behind the arc, and going 2-of-2 from the free-throw line. Maupin added five boards, four assists and three steals to her 10 points against Kansas.

Both Jordyn Merritt and Jada Wynn recorded nine points in the game as Merritt also totaled five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Wynn connected with two big 3-pointers against the Jayhawks while also shooting 60 percent from the field.

As a team, the Lady Raiders went 21-of-52 from the field (.404) and made a season-high 11 3-pointers, shooting almost 40 percent from beyond the arc. They also made 20 of 21 free throws, while collecting 30 boards, 13 assists, four blocks and seven takeaways after forcing 17 turnovers.

In the first quarter, Kansas was out to a 7-2 lead early on until Shavers connected with a timely 3-pointer. The Jayhawks held an 11-5 advantage as both teams wouldn’t score for over two minutes. The Lady Raiders would then go on a 5-0 run thanks to a jumper from Merritt and a 3-pointer from Loghan Johnson to come within one, 11-10. However, Kansas answered back to outscore Tech, 7-4, in the remainder of the period to lead after one.

The Lady Raiders and Jayhawks did not score for the first minute and a half into the second quarter until Maupin hit a three to tie things at 17-all. Shavers followed that with a layup to give Tech its first advantage of the day at 19-17. Kansas retook the lead, 28-24, but Tech responded with 3-pointers from Shavers and Elina Arike to go up by two. Shavers added two more free throws before the quarter ended as Tech led 32-28.

Kansas scored the first four points of the third period before Shavers made another 3-pointer to stop the run. Chevalier also made one from behind the arc after banking the ball in on the top corner for a 38-35 lead. Both teams traded points until the Lady Raiders ended the quarter on a 5-0 run from a Shavers basket and a 3-pointer by Wynn to lead 47-44.

In the final quarter, Wynn hit her second three of the game to give Tech a six-point advantage. Kansas would score seven of the next eight points to get within two, but Merritt connected with her first 3-pointer of the game in a big moment, then got an offensive board and layup to give Tech the 60-53 advantage. Following this, Chevalier scored another three with two and a half minutes left in the game. Kansas tried to fight back, but the Lady Raiders kept adding to their lead to win the contest by a 73-64 score.

QUOTES

Head Coach Krista Gerlich

Opening statement…

“Could not be more proud of our kids’ response from the Wednesday night game. I thought that they came in focused. Obviously, on Thursday we had a marathon film session and our kids really responded and I’m just super proud of them because we know what they’re capable of. I thought they had so much fun playing tonight and competing and that’s what the game is supposed to be about. And I had fun coaching them because we got to coach basketball and they gave us everything that they had. Obviously, I have the upmost respect for (Kansas head coach) Brandon (Schneider)… He and I go way back. I’ve known him since I was a kid. And I know that that’s a really good team we just beat — they won the WNIT last year (and) I think (Taiyanna) Jackson will play in the WNBA. That’s a really good team and I’m super proud of our kids for stepping up the challenge and getting it done.”

On Joyce Arterburn’s impact on the Lady Raider program…

“She’s such a special woman that’s been in my life for over 35 years, and I love the fact that so many High Riders showed up, so many former players, so many people in the stands — even commenting on Twitter about her impact and how she has influenced others while she was here on this Earth. I love these buttons that we wore because it’s such a sweet picture with her with the Texas Tech logo on her chest because she was such a proud Red Raider. There’s no doubt that she was with us today. As sweet as she was, she liked to win. She would absolutely love you if you didn’t, but she would definitely have some grit about her and be super proud of these kids for this win, so I’m glad we could honor her. Not only today with our stories and memories, but with that win also.”

Sophomore #3 Jasmine Shavers

On how the team bounced back from Wednesday’s loss to Texas…

“I think coach said it best. After the Texas game on Wednesday, we just had a long film session, and I think collectively, we responded well… And with that, our defense really created our offense. So, I was able to get open looks. But none of that would happen without us racking up our defense, playing together and just taking great shots and playing within Lady Raider Basketball. But, like I said, one through 15, we all responded and we came out with the win.”

Junior #25 Ashley Chevalier

On the team’s response from Wednesday’s game…

“I think it’s important to feel what success feels like in the Big 12 and know what it takes and what we have to do to get a win like that. But, it’s also something that we’re going to take and enjoy today. And then on Monday, we’ve got to come in and work because we can’t let this be the only time that we feel this type of success.”

UP NEXT

The Lady Raiders are back on the road for a Big 12 game against the Oklahoma State Cowgirls in Stillwater on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

–TECH–

Release provided by Casey Montalvo Texas Tech Athletics