LUBBOCK, Texas (Interstat) — In a game defined by a stunning reversal of momentum, the Texas Tech Lady Raiders remained undefeated, overcoming a massive early deficit to defeat the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs 69-62 in a non-conference women’s basketball thriller on Thursday night at United Spirit Arena.

A crowd of 3,652 witnessed a contest that was essentially two different games. Mississippi State exploded out of the gate with an offensive clinic in the first quarter, pouring in 31 points while building a commanding 15-point lead. The Lady Bulldogs were efficient and aggressive, connecting on early three-pointers and capitalizing on opportunities in the paint.

However, the game turned dramatically in the second period. Texas Tech’s defense stiffened, holding Mississippi State to a mere two points in the quarter. The Lady Bulldogs’ offense went ice-cold, managing just a single field goal as the Lady Raiders methodically chipped away at the lead. Texas Tech outscored Mississippi State 15-2 in the frame, entering halftime with a narrow 31-30 advantage after trailing by as many as 17 points.

The third quarter was a defensive struggle, with both teams scoring 12 points, allowing Texas Tech to maintain a slim 43-42 lead heading into the final period. The fourth quarter became a track meet, with the Lady Raiders finding their offensive rhythm to pull away. Texas Tech erupted for 26 points in the final frame, consistently answering any attempt by Mississippi State to mount a comeback.

Bailey Maupin of Gruver, Texas, was instrumental in the victory for Texas Tech, scoring 17 points and directing the offense. She was complemented by a dominant performance from Jalynn Bristow of Holliday, Texas, who poured in a game-high 18 points. Snudda Collins of Brookhaven, Mississippi, also provided a crucial spark off the bench with 17 points.

Mississippi State was led by Destiney McPhaul of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who finished with 12 points and four assists, and Trayanna Crisp of Goodyear, Arizona, who also added 12 points. Madison Francis of Lancaster, New York, contributed 10 points for the Lady Bulldogs.

The statistical sheet told the story of Texas Tech’s defensive pressure and offensive execution. The Lady Raiders forced 21 Mississippi State turnovers, converting them into key scoring opportunities, while committing only 13 themselves. Texas Tech also dished out 11 assists compared to just three for the Lady Bulldogs and recorded 11 steals.

Despite shooting poorly from three-point range, making only 3 of 19 attempts, Texas Tech’s efficiency inside the arc and at the free-throw line, where they shot 14 of 17, proved decisive. Mississippi State struggled with its overall offensive flow, posting an offensive rating of 79.5 points per 100 possessions, significantly lower than Texas Tech’s 87.3.

With the loss, Mississippi State’s record falls to 4-1. The Lady Bulldogs will look to rebound on Monday against Alcorn State in Niceville, Florida. Texas Tech improves to a perfect 6-0 and will travel to face New Mexico on Sunday.