Terrence Shannon Jr. sat out Texas Tech’s first three games during a review of eligibility rules. Once he was cleared, Shannon was more than ready to produce.
Following a solid season debut, Shannon seeks another strong showing Tuesday night when the Red Raiders host Omaha in Lubbock, Texas.
Texas Tech (4-0) won its first three games without Shannon by averaging 87.0 points in double-digit victories over North Florida, Grambling State and Prairie View A&M. On Saturday, Shannon scored the game’s first five points and finished with 16 in an 84-62 win over Incarnate Word in South Padre Island, Texas.
“It felt good getting back with my teammates,” Shannon said. “They were waiting, and I was waiting to get the call for when I’d be back on the court. We came out (and) started off slow, but we got the win and had a better second half.”
Shannon was being held out of games “out of an abundance of caution” to ensure they were fully complying with NCAA rules after the player explored NBA options without hiring an agent.
Shannon, who is the Red Raiders’ top returning scorer, played 26 minutes after limited practice time and handed out six assists.
“We have a lot to work on,” Shannon said. “I guess that is everyone in the country. We didn’t start off that well against Incarnate Word, but we picked it up in the second half. I know once we get back to work, we will be better against Omaha.”
Kevin McCullar scored 17 points for Texas Tech, which shot 53.3 percent from the floor and forced 22 turnovers against Incarnate Word.
Omaha (1-3), which was picked for eighth in the Summit League’s preseason poll, has yet to crack 70 points and is playing its second game against a Big 12 opponent. It shot 34.8 percent and allowed Kansas State to shoot 52.8 percent from the floor in a 79-64 loss on Wednesday.
The Mavericks followed up the defeat to the Wildcats by shooting 33.3 percent and committing 18 turnovers in a 68-47 loss at Montana on Saturday.
Kyle Luedtke is averaging a team-leading 11.3 points for Omaha. He is shooting 37.5 percent from the floor.
–Field Level Media
