Knight Pleased After Win Over Minnesota

Texas Tech celebrated New Year’s Day with a 90-73 victory over Minnesota on Thursday at Lubbock, Texas.

The Red Raiders (11-2) shot well, especially in the second half when they scored on 12 of 13 possessions. They finished at 58% from the field -- making 34 of 60 shots -- and had five players in double figures, led by Jarrius Jackson, who scored 20 points.

After trailing by 12 at halftime, the Golden Gophers (6-4) cut the margin to seven in the opening minutes of the second half, but Texas Tech answered with a 10-2 run to increase its lead to 56-41 with 14:58 left. Minnesota never threatened again.

The Red Raiders built their largest lead at 90-68 on a layup by Curtis Marshall with 50 seconds left.

Coach Bob Knight, who in recent weeks has chastised fans for low attendance at home games, took the microphone after the game to thank the crowd.

“We really appreciate the turnout we had on a holiday, said Knight, alluding to the 10,524 who came through the turnstiles. “Thanks very much.”

It was the largest crowd of the season by about 2,100.

*

WOMEN

No. 6 Minnesota 64, Michigan 44 -- Lindsay Whalen scored 32 points to lead the Gophers in the Big Ten opener for both teams. The Gophers (11-0), who won their school-record 16th straight home game, lead the nation in field goal percentage (54.2). They shot 51% (21-for-41) against the Wolverines (7-7).