LUBBOCK -- Whitney Smith scored 14 points and Terrah Austin added 11 as Sam Houston State opened its 2009-10 season with a 91-52 road loss to Texas Tech Saturday afternoon.
The Red Raiders were led by Kierra Mallard with 15 points and nine rebounds. Ashlee Robertson added 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Sam Houston led by as many as six points in the first half and the score was tied five times before Texas Tech ralllied to take a 45-27 halftime lead. The Red Raiders out-scored the Kats 46-25 in the second period.
Texas Tech used their height advantage well, out-boarding Sam Houston with 51 rebounds to the Bearkats' 30 boards. Austin led the Kats with eight rebounds.
Brittany Brooks scored eight points for Sam Houston and Chanice Smith added seven. Texas Tech held an advantage at the foul line, hitting 18 of 24 free throws while Sam Houston made five of nine at the line.
Sam Houston State will play host to Ole Miss at 12 noon Tuesday at Johnson Coliseum.
Purchase tickets on-line now at www.gobearkats.com or by contacting the Sam Houston Athletic Ticket Office located in the Ron Mafrige Field House at Bowers Stadium. Ticket office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The ticket office telephone number is (936) 294-1729.
