LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Newcomer Jahmi’us Ramsey led No. 13 Texas Tech with 19 points as the much-changed Red Raiders opened the season with an 85-60 win over Eastern Illinois on Tuesday night, seven months after playing in the national championship game.
Davide Moretti, the only returning starter from last season’s team that lost in overtime to Virginia in the title game, had 11 points.
The Red Raiders led throughout, jumping out to a 9-2 run in the first 3 minutes before a sold out crowd. They led 46-31 at halftime and went on to win their 48th consecutive non-conference home game.
TJ Holyfield scored 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting for Tech, and fellow newcomer Terrance Shannon Jr. scored 11 points.
George Dixon had 15 points and 10 rebounds to lead Eastern Illinois, a team from the Ohio Valley Conference that was 14-18 last season.
BIG PICTURE
Eastern Illinois: The challenge was tough for the Panthers but the sometimes slim margin showed how they’re among the oldest teams in the NCAA.
Texas Tech: The Red Raiders returned only three members from last year’s national title runner-up team but didn’t miss a beat in the opener.
UP NEXT
Eastern Illinois is on the road to play another major college team, Friday night at Wisconsin.
Texas Tech, which plays four of its first five games at its home arena, is there Saturday to play Bethune-Cookman.
