BREAKING: The Texas Tech Lady Raiders have officially entered the Top 25 rankings for the first time in 13 years, marking a significant milestone in their resurgence under Head Coach Krista Gerlich. This historic achievement comes after a thrilling victory against then-No. 15 Baylor, where Texas Tech clinched a narrow 61-60 win on Sunday, December 31.
Gerlich, who was part of the Texas Tech team that won the national championship in 1993, expressed immense pride in this moment. “It’s a longtime coming,” she stated. “When I took the job in 2020 during COVID, never in a million years did I dream I’d take over the program in the state it’s been.” The Lady Raiders now boast an impressive 14-0 record, making them one of only a dozen unbeaten teams in the nation.
This victory not only marks the first win over Baylor since 2011 but also represents Texas Tech’s first triumph against a ranked opponent this season. “It’s a huge goal of this program,” Gerlich added. “We have to celebrate things we haven’t done before. This is one of them.” The team will now take a break for the holidays before returning to action against Central Florida on December 31.
The Lady Raiders’ ascension to the Top 25 is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Gerlich emphasized the need for her players to remain focused, stating, “They can’t be satisfied and rest. We got here by keeping our nose to the grind and keeping our head down and working.”
Fans and alumni are celebrating this achievement as a long-awaited return to prominence for the program. The 1993 championship team was recently honored with induction into the school’s Hall of Honor, further igniting the spirit of the Lady Raiders’ legacy. “This team reminds me of us. Reminds me how unselfish they are, how driven they are,” Gerlich reflected.
However, the road ahead remains challenging. The Big 12 Conference is fiercely competitive, with formidable teams like TCU, Arizona State, and Iowa State also remaining unbeaten. Gerlich acknowledged the tough competition, saying, “It’s a gauntlet. Not only do we have historically good teams like Iowa State, TCU, and Baylor.”
In terms of rankings, the NET ratings currently list UConn at the top, followed closely by South Carolina, Texas, UCLA, and LSU. Texas Tech now ranks 22nd in these ratings, which play a crucial role in the NCAA Tournament selection process.
As the Texas Tech Lady Raiders prepare for their next game, fans are eagerly watching to see how this momentum translates into future success. With a perfect record and a return to national recognition, the Lady Raiders are poised to make history this season.
Expect updates and alerts as the season progresses, and join the conversation on the AP’s women’s college basketball hub for the latest rankings and news.