Texas Tech Lady Raiders Look To Stay Perfect Against Lamar

Texas Tech women's basketball made quite a first impression to open the 2026-27 season. Now the Lady Raiders get an opportunity to prove their dominant debut wasn't a one-game performance.

Head coach Krista Gerlich's team welcomes Lamar to United Supermarkets Arena on Monday, November 9, looking to improve to 2-0 while extending its unbeaten all-time record against the Cardinals.

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Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+.

Texas Tech opened its season Thursday with a convincing 64-37 victory over Charlotte, showcasing an aggressive defense and several newcomers who could transform the Lady Raiders into a dangerous Big 12 contender.

New Mexico transfer Destinee Hooks immediately established herself as an offensive leader, finishing with 16 points and seven rebounds while shooting 53.8 percent from the field.

But perhaps the most intriguing development involved 7-1 center Stephanie Okechukwu.

After waiting nearly a year for NCAA eligibility clearance, Okechukwu finally made her collegiate debut, collecting 10 rebounds, six points and three blocked shots.

Her remarkable size gives Texas Tech a defensive presence few opponents can match.

And she wasn't the only newcomer making an impact.

Lubbock native Ambrosia "Bro Bro" Cole scored 12 points and recorded four steals in her college debut. The former Monterey High School standout helped lead her team to the 2025 Class 5A state championship before deciding to stay home.

Senior transfer Jalayah Ingram added nine points, eight rebounds and four blocks, providing another intimidating presence around the basket.

The defensive numbers against Charlotte were particularly impressive.

Texas Tech forced 20 turnovers, held the 49ers to 25.5 percent shooting and outrebounded them 44-36. Charlotte also went scoreless over the final eight minutes of the first half.

That defensive intensity could be important against a Lamar team featuring several productive offensive players.

The Cardinals enter Monday at 1-1 following a 79-64 loss to UT Arlington.

Shaila Forman led Lamar with 19 points and 11 rebounds in that defeat, while Solenne Olenga contributed 12 points and 12 rebounds. Kennedi Alexander added 12 points off the bench.

For Gerlich, the objective is maintaining the momentum established during a season that already carries considerable expectations.

Texas Tech won 26 games last season and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013.

The Lady Raiders also enter Monday with a 15-game nonconference winning streak and a perfect 12-0 all-time record against Lamar.

With Auburn visiting Lubbock on Friday, Monday's contest presents another opportunity for Tech's revamped roster to develop chemistry before the schedule becomes considerably more demanding.

The Lady Raiders have already demonstrated they can defend, rebound and create turnovers.

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Now they need to establish that those qualities will remain consistent.

And if Hooks, Okechukwu and Cole continue making an immediate impact, Texas Tech could have something special developing in Lubbock.