Women’s College Basketball Witnessed the End of a 31-Game Streak
The Texas Tech Lady Raiders continued their remarkable 2025–26 season by shaking up the Big 12 and national scene, entering the latest AP Top 25 poll after snapping a 31-game losing streak against rival Baylor with a dramatic 61-60 victory in Waco. The win not only marked Tech’s first over the Bears since 2011 but also vaulted the Lady Raiders back into the national conversation, a level of respect they hadn’t enjoyed in over a decade. Texas Tech improved to 14-0 overall and 1-0 in Big 12 play with the victory, demonstrating that this season’s squad isn’t just winning, it’s winning against top competition. Meanwhile, Baylor, now 11-3 and unranked after the loss, saw a dip in the polls and a reality check as its Big 12 title hopes took a hit. The Texas Tech win has become a defining moment for a program once mired in mediocrity.
Breaking Down the Game: How Texas Tech Did It
Statistically, this game was a classic defense and discipline victory for Texas Tech. The Lady Raiders limited Baylor to just 36.8 percent shooting from the field and 28.6 percent from three, forcing 21 Bears turnovers that translated into crucial possessions and motion swings. Texas Tech shot a modest 38.6 percent overall, but what mattered most was timing, particularly at the foul line, where they went 13-for-17, staying clutch down the stretch. Snudda Collins was the story for Tech, delivering 21 points off the bench, including the decisive free throws in the final seconds, while Bailey Maupin added 11 points and pushed the pace with ruthless energy on both ends. Tech also generated 12 assists and 10 steals, showcasing an active defense that repeatedly disrupted Baylor’s rhythm and created transition opportunities. Composure at crunch time, especially from the charity stripe, was the difference in a game where every possession felt monumental.
A Play-By-Play Look at the Decisive Moments
From the outset, Texas Tech set a physical tone. After opening with a 16-11 first-quarter advantage, Tech clamped down in the second and third, holding Baylor to single-digit scoring runs and regaining control with timely stops. Baylor’s Yuting Deng nailed a three to pull her squad within striking distance late in the fourth, but Tech answered with a critical sequence: turnovers forced, disciplined ball movement, and free throws when it counted. With under a minute to go and the game tied, Tech’s defensive pressure forced a missed Baylor shot, and Collins was fouled on the ensuing possession. Her calm execution at the stripe, two free throws with under ten seconds left…sealing the upset. Baylor’s final attempt to retake the lead fell short, highlighting Tech’s poise under pressure.
What the Win Means for Texas Tech and Baylor
For Texas Tech, this victory isn’t just about a streak ending; it’s about legitimacy. Entering the AP Top 25 for the first time in years underscores how far the Lady Raiders have come under Head Coach Krista Gerlich’s leadership, turning what was once a rebuilding project into a Big 12 contender and national presence. Their unblemished record and signature win this season position them as a serious threat come March. Conversely, the loss for Baylor is a bitter pill: after years of consistency and high expectations under Coach Nicki Collen, the Bears now face questions about consistency and pressure down the stretch. While still a solid team with talent and pedigree, Baylor’s stumble signals vulnerability in a conference that’s now deeper and more unpredictable than ever.
