Tarkanian Has to Chew on Loss in His Return

Jerry Tarkanian’s return home was going just fine until Fresno State took the floor against Texas Tech.

Tarkanian got a standing ovation when introduced, the band was playing the familiar theme from “Jaws,” and Tark’s towels were folded neatly under his courtside seat.

Then Texas Tech went out and spoiled it all Saturday night by running past the Bulldogs 111-101 in the Las Vegas Shootout.

“It was nice being here but losing a game just ruins it all,” Tarkanian said. “It’s never fun to lose.”

Cory Carr scored 34 points as No. 23 Texas Tech took the lead early and held it the rest of the way to hand No. 21 Fresno State (6-3) its third loss in its last four games.

“I just wish we would have played better,” Tarkanian said.

It was the first time Tarkanian returned to coach in Thomas & Mack Arena since his Runnin’ Rebels beat Utah State on March 3, 1992 in his last game as UNLV coach.

“I saw a lot of friends and had a pretty enjoyable time before the game,” Tarkanian said. “When I was here (with the Rebels) I was a basket case before games. I’m not anymore. I handle things much better now.

Texas Tech (7-1) was never really threatened after opening a 16-point lead midway through the second half that had Tarkanian chewing on his towel.

Carr played all 40 minutes for the Red Raiders, who also got 17 points and 10 rebounds from Tony Battie before he fouled out late in the game.

Texas Tech shot 57% percent for the game, breaking Fresno State’s press for easy baskets inside as the Red Raiders continued a strong start in a season in which they only one starter returned from last year’s NCAA Sweet 16 team.

“This win will make Christmas a little bit better,” Coach James Dickey said. “Out intensity was as good as I’ve seen it at this time of the season.”

The final score was the closest the Bulldogs got after closing the margin to 89-77 on a three-pointer by Dominick Young (33 points) with 8:05 left in the game.