Dennis leads Tech past Jackson State 76-42 in season opener

Dominant Start Defines Opener

The Texas Tech Red Raiders established control early and never relinquished it, defeating the visiting Jackson State Tigers 76-42 in their season opener at United Supermarkets Arena. The home crowd of 13,087 witnessed a decisive performance on Monday, November 2, 2026, as Tech jumped out to a significant lead that defined the remainder of the contest.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Texas Tech’s offense was explosive in the opening period, scoring 38 points to Jackson State’s 18. The Red Raiders utilized efficient shooting and timely free throws to build an insurmountable advantage before halftime. The Tigers managed to match that intensity in the second quarter, also posting 24 points in the half, but the deficit was too large to overcome.

The second half saw Tech maintain its defensive pressure while continuing to score at will. The Red Raiders added another 38 points in the third and fourth quarters combined, while holding Jackson State to just 4 points in that span. The final margin of 34 points reflected the comprehensive nature of the victory.

Neither team advanced or was eliminated from any playoff series context, as this was a regular-season matchup.

Key Performers

Damarion Dennis was the standout player for Texas Tech, leading all scorers with 22 points. His offensive output included multiple three-pointers and layups that helped sustain the team's early momentum. Cruz Davis facilitated the offense effectively, dishing out a game-high 5 assists for the Red Raiders.

For Jackson State, Mike Williams led the Tigers with 11 points. Daeshun Ruffin contributed 3 assists, while Nikk Williams grabbed 9 rebounds for the visitors. Josiah Moseley was a force on the glass for Texas Tech, securing 8 rebounds during the win.

Final Result and Records

The game concluded with a final score of 76-42 in favor of Texas Tech. The victory improved the Red Raiders' record to 1-0 for the season. Jackson State drops to 0-1 on the year. The team did not clinch or eliminate any series outcomes, as this was an isolated regular-season game.

Sources

ESPN