The Texas Tech Lady Raiders aim to move up in the major college basketball rankings after taking the first Paradise Jam Classic with an exciting 81-77 victory over Southwest Missouri State on Saturday night.
The win keeps Texas Tech, ranked No. 13 by the Associated Press going into the tournament, undefeated with a 3-0 record. In the consolation game, Penn State crushed Louisiana State University by a score of 86-52.
The Lady Raiders overcame another high-scoring Jackie Stiles performance; last year's NCAA scoring leader finished with 38 point for Southwest Missouri (2-1, AP No. 17). Tech's Plenette Pierson racked up a double-double, 27 points with 10 rebounds.
In the battle for third place in the tourney, Penn State was led by freshman guard Kelly Mazzante's 24 points and Maren Walspeth's 14, as the ninth-ranked Lady Lions took advantage of a depleted LSU squad. Two players for the 10th-ranked Lady Tigers did not play because of suspensions.
