Stillwater, OK – The No. 15-ranked Red Raiders of Texas Tech stormed into Stillwater, Oklahoma tonight to take on the Cowboys of Oklahoma State. Texas Tech had been playing well, winning four of their last five contests thanks to the Big 12’s top ranked defense.
Cameron McGriff came out swinging early by scoring the first nine points for the Cowboys. At 6’7 and a solid 220 pounds, he is a physical presence on both ends of the floor. He cleaned up the boards by throwing down two huge put back dunks in the first 12 minutes. He was met, however, by a hot 5-for-6 start from deep by the visitors. Texas Tech moved the ball efficiently on offense early, Davide Moretti and Matt Mooney were distributing well and putting teammates in excellent positions to score, Moretti logging five assists in his first ten minutes of playing time.
The Red Raiders would shoot 9-of-14 from deep in the first period and take a 44-23 lead into the break. They opened half number two on a 15-0 run thanks in part to Jarrett Culver and Tariq Owens and never looked back. Due to some disciplinary actions earlier in the season, the Oklahoma State roster has lessened in numbers and their rotations show it. With the minutes being played by starters, the Tech defense gradually wore them down. Final score: 78-50.
Sophomore guard Moretti had an excellent game tonight, scoring only nine points but dishing out eight assists. He was in complete control of the offense from start to finish and seemed comfortable in every situation. He’s averaging 10.7 pints and 2.3 assists while shooting 41.7 perecent from deep this season. The 6’3 native of Bologna, Italy has fantastic IQ and feel for the game, and should continue to develop well under head coach Chris Beard.
Owens also had a solid game for the Red Raiders. Known more for his rim protection than offense at 6’10, he shot 5-of-7 from the field in an efficient effort resulting in eleven points. Two of the point came off an enormous one-handed alley-oop from Culver. The senior’s length and ability to elevate has given promise that he could be have a viable career overseas or possibly starting at the G-League level. Owens showed off good timing and aggressiveness with two blocks as well, anchoring the highly touted Tech defense.
Up next: Texas Tech will host (16-8) Baylor on Saturday while Oklahoma State travels to Austin, Texas to take on the Longhorns.
This article was written by Derek Murray, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.
