It was not pretty, and there was a very slow start, but the Red Raiders survived the challenge from ORU winning 82-76 at home.

Oral Roberts is a tough squad, and they scared but Texas A&M and Kansas State, so the Red Raiders knew this was going to be a fight. And a fight it really was. ORU held a lead regularly in the first half, as Texas Tech started the game without being able to throw it in the ocean. The game stayed close as the half closed with 38-34 as Tech started to find their stroke.

The Red Raiders exploded out of the second half gates, taking a 54-37 lead to the 16-minute mark. But ORU proved how tough they are, battling back under single digits and threatening for the entirety of the game.

The Red Raiders were paced offensively by Warren Washington who had 18, Kerwin Walton returning to form with 17, and Darrion Williams with 15. Both WIlliams and Washington had double-doubles, which was a huge lift in a game neither Toussaint or Pop Isaacs were able to find their stroke.

Quick thoughts

• The Red Raiders are going to live by the three and die by it most games, but it was good to see Washington get so involved offensively. That is a big lift in the interior, especially with Cambridge out.
• Tech feels out of sorts right now. Not shocking after losing a key cog to the lineup. Kerwin Walton might be able to stabilize the ship.
• Not sure I understand not turning Kyreon Lindsay loose at this point. You need a spark off the bench, he could be that guy. I get the redshirt of it all, but just win now baby.
• ORU is a tough team that fights every possession, and they have the shooting to challenge anyone. This will be a decent win at year’s end hopefully.