The Texas Tech Lady Raiders ran into a buzzsaw Wednesday night, falling 84-70 to an Iowa State team that simply outplayed them across the board. From shooting efficiency to paint dominance to foul trouble, the Cyclones controlled the game’s rhythm and never really let Texas Tech find their footing.
Let’s start with the basics: Iowa State shot 48% from the field, compared to Texas Tech’s 43%. That’s not a massive gap on paper, but when you dig into the details, it tells a bigger story.
The Cyclones also knocked down 47% of their three-point attempts - a sharp, efficient clip that kept the Lady Raiders chasing. Texas Tech, meanwhile, hit 38% from deep, respectable but not enough to keep pace in a game where every bucket mattered.
Where the game really tilted, though, was in the paint. Iowa State absolutely owned that area, outscoring Texas Tech 40-14 inside.
That’s not just a stat - it’s a statement. The Cyclones were more physical, more aggressive, and more effective around the rim.
Whether it was post play, drives, or second-chance points, Iowa State dictated the terms in the paint, and Texas Tech didn’t have an answer.
And then there were the fouls.
Texas Tech was whistled for 26 fouls on the night, compared to Iowa State’s 19. That disparity played a major role in the game’s flow, and it hit the Lady Raiders hard - especially when it came to Bailey Maupin.
Maupin was one of the few bright spots for Texas Tech offensively. In just 27 minutes, she put up 16 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc.
She also went 6-of-10 from the free throw line, grabbed five boards, and dished out an assist. That’s solid production in limited time - and that’s the issue.
Maupin fouled out before she could make a bigger impact.
Her absence down the stretch was felt. In a game where Texas Tech struggled to match Iowa State’s size and physicality, losing one of their top scorers - and a player who was clearly finding a rhythm - was a major blow. Maupin’s ability to stretch the floor and create offense was something the Lady Raiders desperately needed, especially as the Cyclones kept pounding the paint and forcing the issue inside.
It wasn’t just Maupin, either. Foul trouble plagued the entire Texas Tech roster, disrupting rotations and limiting their ability to play with any real consistency.
Iowa State, to their credit, capitalized. They were the more composed team, the more efficient team, and the more disciplined team - and it showed.
For the Lady Raiders, this one stings. There were moments where they showed flashes, but the inability to control the paint, the foul issues, and the Cyclones’ sharp shooting added up to a frustrating night.
There’s talent on this Texas Tech squad - that much is clear. But against a team like Iowa State, the margin for error is razor thin.
And on Wednesday night, that margin was the difference between competing and chasing.