Pierson Leads Texas Tech Over New Mexico

Plennette Pierson picked up her teammates when they needed her most.

Pierson had 24 points and seven rebounds to lead No. 8 Texas Tech to an 80-56 victory over New Mexico on Monday night at Lubbock, Texas.

“I basically felt like my team was struggling and someone had to step up and get my team motivated,” Pierson said.

Texas Tech (5-0) struggled through the first half and led by just seven points at halftime, 31-24.

The Lady Raiders took control of the game with 15:17 left in the second half on a three-point basket by Candi White. Amber Tarr hit a three-pointer a few seconds later.

“That was the big difference in the game,” Coach Marsha Sharp said. “That was the swing point for us.”

Molly McKinnon scored 16 points to lead New Mexico (5-3) and Jordan Adams added 14.

No. 18 Southwest Missouri State 67, Tulane 61--Tara Mitchum scored 22 points to lead Southwest Missouri State over Tulane at New Orleans.

Jackie Stiles scored 16 points and Carly Deer had 11 points and six rebounds for the Lady Bears (4-2).

Sarah Goree and Janell Burse each scored 15 points for Tulane (3-4).

No. 21 North Carolina State 55, South Carolina 48--Tynesha Lewis scored 21 points to lead North Carolina State to a victory over South Carolina at Columbia, S.C.

Lewis added six rebounds and four assists for the Wolfpack (5-1), which shot just 36% from the field. Center Carisse Moody was the only other Wolfpack player in double figures with 11 points.

South Carolina (2-6) got 13 points from Tatyana Troina, who was two for three from three-point range for the Gamecocks’ only three-pointers.