LUBBOCK, Texas — After No. 18 West Virginia stormed back from 17-point fourth-quarter deficit, Texas Tech regained its composure in the final minutes to remain unbeaten at home, 75-66, on Wednesday night.
Recee’ Caldwell scored 21 points for the Lady Raiders, highlighted by the go-ahead 3-pointer after WVU tied the game at 62-all with a 21-4 run.
Lanay Montgomery had 18 points and seven rebounds for the Mountaineers (14-3, 2-3), while Tynice Martin finished with 17 points, all in the second half.
Texas Tech (11-5, 3-2) improved to 10-0 in Lubbock and beat a ranked opponent for the first time since January 2013.
“Give Tech a lot of credit,” West Virginia coach Mike Carey said. “They played harder than we did and wanted the game more than we did. We did come back, but then we relaxed once we tied it up.”
The Mountaineers led 10-0 out of the gate but 3-of-17 shooting in the second quarter allowed Texas Tech to grab a 29-25 lead at the half.
West Virginia again started the third quarter slowly, making just 1-of-8, and the margin stretched to 14 at the end of the period.
“We have been telling recruits and everyone that we are going to be better, and to watch us, but we have to show that and prove that,” said Texas Tech coach Candi Whitaker. “This win over a talented, athletic team shows that.”
Katrina Pardee added 10 points for West Virginia, all in the opening quarter. Teana Muldrow grabbed 10 rebounds and Chania Ray dished out eight assists.