Texas Tech got a lot of firsts out of the way in Tuesday’s 2021-22 season opener.
And while it was memorable night for the Red Raiders, they are eager to redirect their focus to the grind ahead — five games in the next 15 days — which begins Friday when they host Grambling State in Lubbock.
In coach Mark Adams’ debut with his alma mater, Texas Tech (1-0) pulled away from North Florida late in the first half en route to an 89-74 triumph.
Three of the seven Red Raiders newcomers who took the court came up big in the first win under Adams, who got the job after Chris Beard departed for Texas.
Bryson Williams scored 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds. Kevin Obanor had 17 points with three 3-pointers and six rebounds. Davion Warren added 14 points, five assists and three steals.
Those three were reflective of the depth Texas Tech plans to lean on under Adams, who won 554 games coaching at five schools in lower divisions.
“I’ll always remember this one because this is home and this is always the place I wanted to be and would dream about — being the head coach here at Texas Tech,” Adams said after his Division I debut. “It was very special. The guys all gave me a hug after the game. But this really isn’t about me, it’s about them. These guys are fun to coach.”
Williams, a transfer from UTEP, served immediate notice that he could be a player the Red Raiders revolve around this season.
“My teammates just kept looking for me,” Williams said. “They made a big emphasis on going inside. They trusted in me to go in there and finish.”
Grambling State (0-1) didn’t have as much fun in its opener, a 74-53 loss to Grand Canyon on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Tigers trailed 40-18 at halftime before matching up better over the final 20 minutes.
Better shooting was a key: Grambling State connected on 14 of 29 goals after halftime after making only 5 of 23 in the opening 20 minutes. Tra’Michael Moton and Prince Moss led the Tigers with 10 points apiece.
–Field Level Media
