Evans scores 28 points in Texas Tech's 93-67 win

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) Keenan Evans scored 28 points to lead Texas Tech over Houston Baptist 93-67 on Friday to clinch a victory for new Red Raiders coach Chris Beard on opening night.

''Today was about our players,'' Beard said. ''I'm really proud of my association with Texas Tech and I'm proud at the idea that I came back to a place I love. But I'm not the story, the story is the players. We've got guys out there wearing the jerseys tonight. They're unselfish, and they bought in. They're here for the right reasons. They're all good students and good people. Tonight was their story, and I thought it was a good story.''

The Red Raiders took a 45-36 lead at halftime with Evans scoring 18 points then opened the second half with a 14-4 run.

''Tonight was a special night because he was making shots, but I have a vision of Keenan Evans where even when he doesn't make those shots, he affects the game,'' Beard said.

Anthony Livingston added 16 points, Aaron Ross 13, Shadell Millinghaus 11 and Niem Stevenson with 10 for the Red Raiders.

''I thought that we were just trying too hard in the first half, especially defensively,'' Beard said. ''There's an effectiveness to patient defense. People associate patience with offensive basketball, but on defense you have to be patient.''

Zach Smith had three of the team's four blocks. Tech finished with 20 assists.

Atif Russell scored 16 points and Josh Ibarra added nine to lead the Huskies.

Tech shot 33 of 54 from the field to Houston Baptist's 22-of-58.

BIG PICTURE

Texas Tech: With a slew of new players and a new coach, Tech looks to make its return to the NCAA Tournament. After a first-round loss to Butler in tournament play, the Red Raiders began the year with a solid win over Houston Baptist, which gives them momentum going forward.

Houston Baptist: The Huskies began the season like they did last year with a loss. However, they turned things around in Southland Conference play winning their first eight games.

INJURED RETURNER: Texas Tech junior center Norense Odiase made his way onto the court before the game but was in a boot on his left foot due to an injury sustained in practice this week. Odiase led the team in field-goal percentage last season.

STARTING FIVE

The Texas Tech starting lineup contributed 74 of the team's final 93 points. Four of the starting five scored in double digits. Eleven of Tech's 20 assists also came from the five starters.

INSIDE PRESENCE

The Red Raiders outperformed the Huskies in the paint. Tech scored 32 points in the lane. The Huskies had 18.

TRANSFER TRIO

Forward Anthony Livingston, guard Niem Stevenson and guard Shadell Millinghaus made their Red Raider debuts Friday night. The three combined for 37 points.

UP NEXT

Texas Tech: The Red Raiders host North Texas Tuesday night. The matchup will be the first regular-season game for the Eagles.

Houston Baptist: The Huskies will continue their journey on the road when it travels to Albuquerque to take on New Mexico on Monday night.