Bailey Maupin netted a season high in points, but it was when she scored that mattered most.
The senior guard knocked down a go-ahead 3-pointer with less than two minutes remaining to spark a 12-5 close to Texas Tech’s 71-66 win at West Virginia on Wednesday. Maupin scored 13 of her 27 points in the fourth quarter to help the Lady Raiders make up a six-point deficit.
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With the win, No. 17 Tech (17-0, 4-0) extended its program-best start to a season and took sole possession of first place in the Big 12. It’s the first time since 2004-05 the Lady Raiders have started 4-0 in conference.
“All credit to the coaches,” Maupin told ESPN+. “We had a super-good game plan offensively and defensively. Especially just right now, we’re really clicking. You’re not supposed to play your best basketball at the beginning. You’re supposed to continue to get better and better, and I feel like that’s what we’re doing as a team.”
The Lady Raiders led 66-63 with 16 seconds left when Maupin came up with a steal. After hitting 1 of 2 free throws, she deflected a pass that was stolen by Gemma Núñez on the next possession.
Tech won despite committing 20 turnovers, which led to 19 points. It’s the fifth time the Lady Raiders have committed at least 20 turnovers. Tech also navigated much of the fourth quarter with Snudda Collins and Jalynn Bristow carrying four fouls. Collins finished with 19 points.
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Jordan Harrison led WVU with 22 points, and Carter McCray added 15. The Mountaineers’ 66 points were the most given up since Tech’s 80-68 win over Arkansas. It’s the fifth time the Lady Raiders have surrendered at least 60 points.
Tech will continue its road trip Saturday at Cincinnati. The Bearcats (6-10, 1-3) upset No. 11 Iowa State 71-63 at home Wednesday for their first conference win.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Bailey Maupin stars late as Texas Tech women’s basketball beats West Virginia
