Texas Tech Crushes Charlotte As Lady Raiders Open Season With A Rout

Texas Tech women's basketball wasted little time showing that last season's remarkable turnaround might have been just the beginning.

The Lady Raiders opened their 2026-27 campaign Thursday night with a commanding 64-37 victory over Charlotte at United Supermarkets Arena, using relentless defensive pressure and a strong debut from several newcomers to overwhelm the 49ers.

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Destinee Hooks led Texas Tech with 16 points and seven rebounds, while freshman Ambrosia "Bro Bro" Cole added 12 points and four steals in her collegiate debut.

But the real story was the defense.

Charlotte shot just 25.5 percent from the field, committed 20 turnovers and managed only 11 first-half points against a Texas Tech team determined to establish its identity immediately.

The Lady Raiders seized control early, jumping ahead 22-9 after the opening quarter behind consecutive 3-pointers from Jalayah Ingram and Martina Anyango.

Things only got worse for Charlotte.

Texas Tech held the 49ers scoreless for the final eight minutes of the second quarter, taking a 32-11 advantage into halftime.

For head coach Krista Gerlich, who guided the Lady Raiders to a 26-8 record and their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2013 last season, the victory offered an encouraging first look at a dramatically rebuilt roster.

"We have a chance to build something really special this year," Gerlich said before the season.

One reason for that optimism is 7-1 center Stephanie Okechukwu.

Making her highly anticipated collegiate debut, Okechukwu contributed six points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots, immediately establishing herself as a presence around the basket.

Ingram delivered another impressive performance with nine points, eight rebounds and four blocks, while veteran Jalynn Bristow finished with eight points and seven rebounds.

Bristow struggled from the field, missing all six of her attempts, but converted all eight free throws.

Cole also made her presence felt, connecting on eight of 10 free throws and providing energy on both ends of the court.

Texas Tech wasn't particularly sharp offensively, shooting just 34 percent overall and 26.3 percent from 3-point range.

Still, the Lady Raiders compensated by dominating the glass 44-36, generating 19 points off turnovers and holding Charlotte to one made 3-pointer.

Charlotte's Mariah Sain scored 16 points, but received little offensive support.

The victory keeps Gerlich undefeated in season openers as Texas Tech's head coach.

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The Lady Raiders still have plenty to prove with so many new faces, but Thursday's defensive performance provided a convincing starting point.

Texas Tech returns home Monday to face Lamar at 6 p.m. CT.