Tech gets physical, and even, at home

LUBBOCK — Kevin Obanor and No. 18 Texas Tech got physical with No. 15 Iowa State. The Red Raiders had reinforcements this time.

Two weeks after the Red Raiders lost at Iowa State with only seven healthy players, Obanor scored 13 of his 15 points with several putback baskets in Texas Tech’s strong second half for a 72-60 victory Tuesday night.

“They’re a very aggressive team,” Obanor said, noting that Tech struggled early shooting from outside. “Just the IQ that we all had, we got in the bonus I think at the 10-minute mark, and just keep attacking, keep driving.”

Texas Tech (14-4, 4-2 Big 12) used a dozen players this time, including starters Kevin Mccullar and Terrence Shannon, who missed the first meeting with injuries while others were out because of COVID-19 protocols.

“Had a lot more tools in our toolbox, so that made it better for me, and I thought it made us stronger on defense,” Red Raiders coach Mark Adams said. “I thought we played one of the best defensive games we’ve played all year, and against a great defensive team. … I was excited to see our guys respond and how hard they played.”

Iowa State had three post players foul out — that trio playing only a combined 37 minutes. The Red Raiders made 29 free throws, 25 in the second half.

The Cyclones (14-4, 2-4) were within 29-28 when Gabe Kalscheur made a 3-pointer with 17:11 left. But then Marcus Santos-silva hit two free throws before Obanor had the first of his three putback layups in an 11-2 run that gave Texas Tech its first doubledigit lead — 40-30 on a free throw by Obanor after being fouled on his last putback.

Texas Tech, which is 11-0 at home, later added a 16-3 spurt that included nine made free throws before Shannon’s dunk for a 60-40 lead with 7:21 left.

Bryson Williams scored 16 points to lead Tech, and Davion Warren had 11. Obanor also grabbed eight rebounds.

Grill had 17 points with four 3-pointers for Iowa State, while Izaiah Brockington added 12 points and nine rebounds.