Jalynn Bristow Lifts Texas Tech Past Auburn in Dramatic Comeback

Texas Tech women's basketball looked headed for its first defeat of the season Friday night. Then Jalynn Bristow decided she wasn't letting that happen.

The senior delivered two enormous three-pointers in the final two minutes, helping the Lady Raiders erase a 13-point deficit and escape with a thrilling 73-71 victory over Auburn at United Supermarkets Arena.

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Texas Tech improved to 3-0, but this one required considerably more resilience than its first two victories.

Bristow finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds for her second consecutive double-double. She connected on three of five attempts from beyond the arc, but her final two makes were easily the biggest shots of the night.

With Texas Tech trailing late, Bristow buried a three-pointer off an assist from Ambrosia "Bro Bro" Cole with 1:49 remaining, giving the Lady Raiders their first lead since the second quarter.

Just 26 seconds later, she struck again.

This time, Rhema Collins found Bristow for another three, pushing Texas Tech ahead 72-68 and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Auburn wasn't finished, however.

The Tigers battled back within one point and had an opportunity to steal the victory following a Texas Tech turnover. But Bristow delivered one final defensive statement, blocking Auburn's last attempt to preserve the win.

It was a fitting conclusion to a performance that showcased her versatility.

Destinee Hooks matched Bristow with 13 points, while Cole and Martina Anyango contributed 11 apiece. Collins scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds in her Lady Raider debut, while Jalayah Ingram added eight.

Cole also distributed a team-high five assists.

The dramatic finish seemed unlikely after Auburn controlled much of the first half.

Texas Tech committed five turnovers in the opening five minutes and fell behind 19-10 after the first quarter.

The Lady Raiders rallied to briefly take the lead before halftime but trailed 36-34 at the break.

Things got worse in the third quarter.

Auburn unleashed a 13-0 run while Texas Tech endured a scoring drought lasting more than four minutes. The Tigers eventually built their advantage to 13 points, putting coach Krista Gerlich's team in unfamiliar territory.

But the Lady Raiders refused to fold.

Anyango helped ignite the fourth-quarter comeback with a jumper and a steal, while Cole converted crucial opportunities to bring Texas Tech within striking distance.

Then Bristow took control.

Texas Tech finished with a 32-29 rebounding advantage and overcame an uneven night at the free-throw line, converting 20 of 33 attempts, or 60.6 percent.

The comeback also continued the momentum established during last season's 26-win campaign and NCAA Tournament appearance.

For Gerlich's squad, Friday wasn't simply another early-season victory. It was an opportunity to prove it could win when the offense struggled and the pressure intensified.

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And Bristow delivered when it mattered most.

Up next, Texas Tech hosts Southeastern Louisiana on Sunday, November 15, at 2 p.m. CT inside United Supermarkets Arena.