Texas Tech proved in this game that their specialty this season is their defense. They forced Illinois to commit 22 turnovers and stole the ball a total of 13 times. The player with the most turnovers for the Illini was Alexis Smith with six turnovers. The Lady Raiders leading “thief” in the game was Casey Morris, who recorded four steals.

In the game, Illinois shot 36.7% from the field and 75.0% from the free throw-line, but struggled from 3-point land. They went 2-14 from beyond the arc with their only 3-pointers coming from Ivory Crawford and Amber Moore.

January 22, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Jolette Law talks to Illinois Fighting Illini guard Amber Moore (42) during their game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena. Ohio State won 96-84. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

On the other side, Texas Tech shot well from beyond the arc (something they rarely do well this season). They went 5-11 from 3-point land. One of them came on a shot-clock buzzer beater early in the second half to extend their lead to 47-37.

Illinois was led on offense by Moore who had a team-high 21 points. She also recorded six rebounds. Karisma Pennalso scored 18 points for Illinois and added eight rebounds.

The Lady Raiders’ leading scorer in the game was Chynna Brown. She had 21 points along with eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

After the game, head coach Matt Bollant said “give Texas Tech credit, they’re a good basketball team.”

The Fighting Illini are now 4-4 on the season.

Their next game will be on the road against the Memphis Tigers on December 9th. Memphis is currently 3-3 this season. They lost to East Tennessee State 83-73 in their last game.

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @RickyWidmer.

Check out my other writings on the Oregon Ducks blog, Autzen Zoo.

This game against the Lady Raiders will be Illinois first true road game this season. This will be their fourth game in 11 days.

Texas Tech is a member of the Big 12 conference. They finished ninth in the conference last year with a 6-12 conference record. Currently, the Lady Raiders are 6-1 this season.

The Lady Raiders are getting it done on defense so far this season. They are holding opponents to 49.6 points per game and 37.8 percent shooting. Also, they are averaging 14.0 steals per game and a +10.1 turnover margin. Texas Tech has five players with double-digit steals which includes: Chynna Brown (15), Christine Hyde (14), Amber Battle (11), Casey Morris (23), and Monique Smalls (18).

On offensive, Texas Tech has three players who are averaging double-digit points this season. Morris leads the team with 12.9 points per game. However, Hyde is averaging 12.0 points per game and Kelsi Baker is averaging 10.1 points per game.

In their last game against Lamar, Hyde led the team with 25 points and the Lady Raiders recorded 13 steals.

The Illini last met the Lady Raiders on December 17th, 2011. The game was played at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Texas Tech beat the Illini, but it was not easy.Amber Moore nailed two 3-pointers to pull Illinois within four points, but they lost 70-64.

This will be the Illini’s toughest game so far this season. Illinois has a pretty good offense. They are averaging 76.1 points per game, which ranks second in the Big Ten and ranked 24th in the country. The Illini will need to keep up this offense power and not turn over the ball, but their defense will need to step up as well.

The Lady Raiders do not shoot well from beyond the arc. This season, Texas Tech has only hit 33-of-113 (.292) three-pointers. Illinois will need to keep the Lady Raider from getting to the basket and force them to take long shots if they want to win.

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @RickyWidmer.

Check out my other writings on the Oregon Ducks blog, Autzen Zoo.