Dennis leads No. 19 Texas Tech past Jackson State 76-42

Dominant Debut

Damarion Dennis announced himself immediately in his first game with the Texas Tech Red Raiders, scoring 22 points as the home team dismantled the visiting Jackson State Tigers. The No. 19 Red Raiders, playing at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, established a commanding lead that they never relinquished, finishing with a 76-42 victory on Monday, November 2, 2026.

The game saw a significant disparity in offensive output, with Texas Tech outscoring Jackson State in both halves. A crowd of 13,087 witnessed the Red Raiders secure their first win of the season, improving their record to 1-0, while Jackson State dropped to 0-1.

First Half Control

The game was effectively decided in the first 20 minutes. Texas Tech outscored Jackson State 38-18 in the first half, building a cushion that proved insurmountable. Dennis was the primary engine for the Red Raiders' offense, connecting on multiple three-pointers and driving to the basket with authority.

The home team’s balanced attack was evident early, with Cruz Davis facilitating the offense by recording five assists. Meanwhile, Jackson State struggled to find a consistent rhythm, managing only 18 points before the break. Mike Williams led the Tigers with 11 points for the entire game, but the team could not overcome the deficit established in the opening period.

Second Half and Records

In the second half, Texas Tech maintained its scoring pace, adding another 38 points to their total. The Red Raiders continued to capitalize on transition opportunities and inside scoring, with Josiah Moseley contributing significantly on the glass. Moseley led the team with eight rebounds, providing a strong presence in the paint.

Jackson State attempted to close the gap, but the margin of victory remained wide. The Tigers managed 24 points in the second half, with Daeshun Ruffin dishing out three assists and Nikk Williams grabbing nine rebounds. However, the defensive intensity and offensive efficiency of the Red Raiders kept the contest well out of reach.

Season Opener

The result marks a strong start for Texas Tech, who enter the rest of their schedule with a 1-0 record. Jackson State, now 0-1, will look to adjust their game plan going forward. The decisive nature of the win highlights the depth and talent currently available to the Red Raiders, particularly with Dennis integrating into the system.

The game concluded with the final score locked at 76-42, a testament to the home team's comprehensive performance in their season opener.

Sources

ESPN