Lincoln - Rene Hanebutt's career-high 33 points led No. 11 Texas Tech to a 75-62 victory over Nebraska in front of 10,221 fans at the Bob Devaney Sports Center Sunday afternoon.
Hanebutt, who tied a Texas Tech school record with seven 3-pointers, scored nine of her 19 first-half points in a 14-0 Texas Tech to start the game as the Lady Raiders led from start to finish in improving to 23-3 overall and 12-2 in the Big 12.
"I thought we did a good job attacking them," Texas Tech Coach Marsha Sharp said. "We were not expecting a 14-point lead, but it took them out of the game and it took the crowd out of the game."
Hanebutt, who came into today's contest averaging 13.6 ppg, connected on seven-of-11 3-pointers, 10-of-12 from the foul line and added seven rebounds in the win as the Red Raiders remained a game ahead of Iowa State in the Big 12 standings.
Nebraska (17-10, 6-8 in the Big 12), trailed 32-23 at the half before scoring the first eight points of the second half in cutting the Lady Raider lead to 32-31 on a Naciska Gilmore jumper. The Huskers would get no closer, as Texas Tech posted its fourth straight win.
"I was really impressed with Texas Tech's start today," Nebraska Coach Paul Sanderford said. "I thought our team fought back after the half and we got into position to win the game, but we made three bad decisions."
"When we cut it to one, we got excited," Husker senior guard Monet Williams said. "Then we rushed offensively and our emotions took over. We couldn't maintain our focus."
The Huskers would cut the Tech lead to 43-39 on a Nicole Kubik jumper, but Hanebutt would end all chances for a Husker comeback by scoring nine points during an 11-0 Texas Tech run that extended the Lady Raider lead to 54-39 with nine minutes remaining.
"Coach Sharp has given me the green light to shoot and if I am open, the shot is going up," Hanebutt said.
Senior Angie Braziel also had strong game for the Red Raiders, finishing with 21 points and 12 rebounds, and Keitha Dickerson also finished with double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Nebraska was led by junior guard Nicole Kubik, who finished with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Brooke Schwartz added 14 points and six boards.
The Huskers close out the regular-season home schedule this Wednesday, Feb. 24, when Nebraska plays host to Kansas State beginning at 7:05 p.m. The game will be televised by Nebraska Educational Television (NETV).