Seton Hall Hands Red Raiders First Loss

Keenan Evans registered his third 20-plus point performance of the season, but the No. 22 Texas Tech men’s basketball team dropped an 89-79 decision to Seton Hall on Thursday during its program debut at the Under Armour Reunion inside Madison Square Garden.

The Red Raiders (6-1) surrendered a season’s best 89 points and 11 three-pointers to the Pirates (6-1) on the defensive end. Evans was joined by Jarrett Culver, Zach Smith, Zhaire Smith and Niem Stevenson in double figures. The quintet combined for 71 of Texas Tech’s 79 points.

Evans pumped in 21 points, six assists and two steals. The 21 points enabled him to surpass Eugene Carpenter and Mark Davis and move into 35th place on the program’s all-time list. He also hit the century mark for his career in steals.

Culver did his damage from three-point territory and knocked down a career-best five triples en route to 17 points. It marked the third consecutive game and five of his last six outings for the Lubbock native with 10-plus points.

Zach Smith tallied all 12 of his points and two blocks during the second half. The two rejections pushed Smith to within 15 blocks of the program’s all-time record held by Tony Battie.

Zhaire Smith garnered nine of his 11 points in the first half and recorded two blocks, while Stevenson notched 10 points and distributed four assists.

Norense Odiase was solid on the interior with six points and a career-high 12 rebounds. The 12 rebounds are the most for a Red Raider this season.

The Pirates were sparked by Desi Rodriguez’s 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Myles Powell added 19 points, four assists and two steals. The duo combined for seven of 11 Seton Hall treys. Khadee Carrington chipped in 16 points and three assists whereas Angel Delgado turned in a strong all-around effort with 12 points, five rebounds, three blocks and three steals.

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Texas Tech meets undefeated Nevada in its stiffest test of the nonconference home season on Tuesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT from the United Supermarkets Arena, and the game will be televised by FOX College Sports. The Wolf Pack amassed 28 victories, the Mountain West regular season and tournament titles en route to the 2017 NCAA Tournament.

Tickets to Tuesday’s game can be purchased for as low as $10 at the United Supermarkets Arena Box Office starting 90 minutes prior to tipoff.

Fans are reminded that the S1 Parking Lot at the John Walker Soccer Complex which is located at 3901 10th Street is the lone free parking lot for all fans which includes ADA parking for all men’s basketball games. A free shuttle service begins 75 minutes prior to tipoff and runs up to 60 minutes following the game to transport fans to and from the United Supermarkets Arena. Buses also are ADA accessible. There is no longer free parking available in the West Lot across from the United Supermarkets Arena.

Traffic patterns around the United Supermarkets Arena have changed for the 2017-18 season. All patrons with North Lot passes must enter their lot from the Main and Flint intersection. All fans with South Lot passes must enter their lot from the 18th and Flint intersection. All West Lot pass holders must enter their lot at the Texas Tech Parkway and Knoxville Avenue intersection. All vehicles will be blocked from Indiana Avenue off of the Texas Tech Parkway.

Fans are reminded to go clear at all Texas Tech basketball games. The clear bag policy provides a safer atmosphere and speeds up the entry process into the United Supermarkets Arena.

Season tickets are on-sale and features the affordable Red Raider Sports Pass at $99. Season tickets can be purchased in person at the Texas Tech Athletics Ticket Office located on the East Side of Jones AT&T Stadium, online at www.TexasTech.com or over the phone at (806) 742-8324 (TECH).

Visit www.TexasTech.com for the latest news and information on the men’s basketball program. Fans also can follow the program on its social media outlets by liking TexasTechMBB on Facebook along with following @TexasTechMBB on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.