The Texas Tech Lady Raiders women's basketball program is currently enjoying a remarkable resurgence under the guidance of coach Krista Gerlich, highlighted by an undefeated run into January of the 2025 season. This impressive start, coupled with strong performances in conference play, has propelled the team into national rankings for the first time since 2012. The strategic integration of talented transfers and a renewed emphasis on robust defensive strategies have been pivotal in transforming the team's trajectory, igniting hopes for a long-awaited appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Coach Gerlich, a firm believer in the power of tradition and a touch of superstition, notably incorporates black-eyed peas into the team's New Year's routine, a practice she attributes to good fortune. This ritual, along with her strategic coaching adjustments, appears to be yielding significant results. While past seasons under Gerlich have seen success in other postseason invitational tournaments, the coveted NCAA 'Big Dance' has remained elusive. The team's current unbeaten streak, however, suggests a potential turning point, diverging from previous patterns of strong non-conference starts followed by struggles in Big 12 competition.
A critical factor in the Lady Raiders' current success is the seamless integration of new talent. Transfers such as Gemma Núñez, Snudda Collins, and Jada Malone have quickly found their rhythm alongside returning players. Their contributions have been instrumental in establishing the team's dominant form. The recent 73-55 victory over UCF, securing a 2-0 conference record, and a significant upset win against then-No. 15 Baylor, marked the team's first triumph over the Bears since 2011, further cementing their status as a formidable force.
Individual performances have also shone brightly. Gemma Núñez contributed significantly against UCF with 11 points, five rebounds, and eight assists without any turnovers. Snudda Collins continues to lead the team in scoring, averaging 14.6 points per game. The remarkable improvement of Jalynn Bristow, whose average has soared from 3.7 to 14.1 points, along with Bailey Maupin's consistent presence at 14.4 points, underscores the depth and balanced offensive attack of the team. This collective effort points towards a realistic opportunity to break their prolonged March Madness drought.
The defensive prowess of the Lady Raiders has particularly caught the attention of opponents, including UCF coach Sytia Messer, who remarked on the team's exceptional physicality on the defensive end. Messer, with extensive experience in the Big 12, lauded the coaching staff's success in transforming the team's defensive capabilities, a testament to Gerlich's long-standing philosophy of prioritizing defense. Coach Gerlich herself highlighted her deliberate recruitment of tough defenders, which has been key to assembling a cohesive and formidable unit.
Although the road ahead in the highly competitive Big 12 conference remains challenging, the Lady Raiders' undefeated start and strong team chemistry provide a solid foundation for continued success. The optimism generated by their performance in late 2024 and early 2025 is palpable. With their disciplined approach, strengthened roster, and a belief in both strategic planning and a touch of good luck, the Texas Tech Lady Raiders are poised to make a significant impact this season and potentially secure an NCAA Tournament bid, a goal that has long eluded the program.