LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Jarrett Culver scored a career-high 30 points, Matt Mooney added 14 and No. 11 Texas Tech raced past Abilene Christian 82-48 on Saturday night in the final game at sold-out Lubbock Municipal Coliseum.
The Red Raiders (10-0) called the Coliseum home from 1956-99, and Saturday was the second throwback game in the building. It will close next summer after a rodeo event.
The last time Tech started a season with at least 10 consecutive wins was 1929-30.
Culver added seven rebounds and four assists to one of the best games of his two-season career.
Jalone Friday scored 12 points for ACU before fouling out, and Jaren Lewis added nine. The Wildcats (9-2) fell victim to the same stingy Texas Tech defense that every opponent this season has.
The Raiders are ranked No. 1 in the country in field goal defense and showed why, limiting ACU to 28 percent (15 of 53), 19 percent in the second half (5 of 26). The Wildcats' scoring output was 32 points below their season average.
Tech was efficient offensively, too. With Culver leading the way, the Raiders shot around 60 percent much of the night and grabbed control for good early in the second half by making eight of their 11 floor shots. They finished at 56 percent (30 of 54).
Culver was in the middle of the action most of the time. He made 12 of 13 field goals and consistently beat defenders on dribble drives, which created five three-point play opportunities.
ACU stayed close in the opening 12 minutes. When Trey Lenox made a 3-pointer at the 8:03 mark of the first half, the Wildcats were within 25-21.
The Raiders answered with a 13-0 run, sparked by Culver with five points and two assists. When he spun along the baseline for a reverse layup, Tech was ahead 36-25 on the way to a 41-27 halftime lead.
BIG PICTURE
Abilene Christian: The Wildcats showed flashes of being a strong contender in the Southland Conference against the best team they have faced this season.
Texas Tech: After some inconsistency in previous games, the Raiders put together a more complete effort and at the right time with a showdown vs. Duke on the horizon.
UP NEXT
Abilene Christian: The Wildcats head to Southeast Missouri on Friday night for their final game before Christmas.
Texas Tech: The Raiders encounter their biggest test so far when they tangle with No. 2 Duke on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden in New York.
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