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Dennis leads Texas Tech past Jackson State 76-42

Damarion Dennis scored 22 points as No. 19 Texas Tech defeated Jackson State 76-42 in the Red Raiders' season opener at United Supermarkets Arena.

Hart Nash· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

November 3, 20262 min read

college basketball - illustration, Jake Team LLC
NCAA Men's BasketballFinal
Jackson State Tigers42
Texas Tech Red Raiders76

November 2, 2026

Dominant Start Sets Tone

The Texas Tech Red Raiders opened their season with a commanding performance, defeating the visiting Jackson State Tigers 76-42 on Monday. The game was effectively decided in the first half, where Texas Tech established an insurmountable lead through efficient scoring and strong defense.

The final tally reflected a complete team effort, though senior guard Damarion Dennis provided the offensive spark that kept the Tigers at bay throughout the contest.

Texas Tech jumped out to an early 38-18 advantage after the first half. The Red Raiders' offense flowed smoothly, with Dennis connecting from deep and finishing inside. Jackson State managed to score 24 points in the second quarter but could not match the pace set by Lubbock. By halftime, the visitors trailed significantly, a deficit they were unable to overcome in the subsequent period.

Second Half Control

The Red Raiders maintained their defensive intensity in the second half, outscoring Jackson State 38-24 in the final period. This extended the gap to a comfortable 34-point margin. Texas Tech’s defense held the Tigers to just 42 total points for the game, limiting their scoring opportunities and forcing difficult shots.

Dennis led all scorers with 22 points, utilizing his range and ability to get to the free-throw line. His performance included multiple three-pointers and layups that widened the gap early on. The Red Raiders’ offense continued to produce in the second half, with contributions from various players keeping Jackson State’s defense stretched and reactive.

Key Contributors

While Dennis provided the primary scoring threat, other Texas Tech players filled the stat sheet with defensive stops and playmaking. Cruz Davis orchestrated the offense effectively, dishing out five assists to facilitate the team’s fluid ball movement. Josiah Moseley controlled the boards for the Red Raiders, grabbing eight rebounds to limit Jackson State’s second-chance opportunities.

For Jackson State, Mike Williams was the top scorer with 11 points. Daeshun Ruffin contributed three assists, trying to keep the Tigers’ offense moving, while Nikk Williams pulled down nine rebounds in an effort to stay competitive. Despite these individual efforts, the Tigers could not generate enough consistent offense to challenge Texas Tech’s lead.

Season Opener Conclusion

The victory improves Texas Tech’s record to 1-0 on the season. The loss drops Jackson State to 0-1 as they begin their campaign. The game was played at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, TX, before a crowd of 13,087 fans. The Red Raiders will look to build on this dominant start in their next outing, while Jackson State must regroup after the lopsided defeat.

Sources

ESPN

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Hart Nash· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

Hart Nash covers Princeton high school and area college sports.

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