No. 20 Texas Tech Prepares for Top 20 Battle with No. 15 Baylor

Texas Tech and Baylor meet for the second time this season, both firmly in the conference race and little separating them statistically.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Texas Tech (24-4, 10-4 Big 12) has been one of the league's biggest surprises, climbing from a preseason projection of 13th into the title conversation with four games remaining. The Lady Raiders set the tone early, defeating Baylor in the Big 12 opener prior to Christmas — their first win over the Bears since 2011 — signaling the start of an underdog rise. The numbers suggest a tightly contested battle, with the teams nearly identical in scoring offense and defense. Shot blocking could play a major role, with Baylor leading the conference and ranking third nationally at 6.5 blocks per game, while Texas Tech is second in the league and eighth nationally at 5.74.

Why it matters

This matchup between two ranked Big 12 teams has major conference championship and NCAA Tournament implications. Texas Tech is looking to strengthen its résumé and push toward its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2013, while Baylor is aiming to maintain its position in the conference race.

The details

Texas Tech is led by a balanced attack, with Bailey Maupin (15.8 ppg) and Snudda Collins (15.3 ppg, 41.7% 3PT) leading the way. Jalynn Bristow anchors the defense with a Big 12-best 2.1 blocks per game, and Denae Fritz adds disruption on the wing. Baylor is led by high-scoring guard Taliah Scott (20.6 ppg) and double-double machine Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (10.8 ppg, 10.5 rpg), while Yuting Deng showed her impact in the earlier matchup with 22 points off the bench.

  • The teams met earlier this season, with Texas Tech defeating Baylor in the Big 12 opener prior to Christmas.
  • Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. on February 18, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas.

The players

Krista Gerlich

The head coach of the Texas Tech Lady Raiders basketball team.

Taliah Scott

A high-scoring guard for the Baylor Bears, averaging 20.6 points per game.

Darianna Littlepage-Buggs

A Baylor Bears player who adds a double-double presence, averaging 10.8 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.

Yuting Deng

A Baylor Bears player who had a strong impact in the earlier matchup against Texas Tech, scoring 22 points off the bench.

Bailey Maupin

The leading scorer for the Texas Tech Lady Raiders, averaging 15.8 points per game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Two really good basketball teams that are competing for positioning, whether that be the tournament, whether that be for the conference championship. I think it's just going to be a great basketball game, a great environment, and it's going to be a lot of fun to be a part of.”

— Krista Gerlich, Head Coach, Texas Tech Lady Raiders (on3.com)

“It goes into the details. Where is a weakness of theirs and it's probably very minute. Can we find one and can we exploit it? It's also one of those things where our mindset has to be that. We're going to be in a grinded out battle because when you have two defensive teams playing, like it's not going to come easy. You're going to have to grind it out every possession and really fight for extra possessions.”

— Krista Gerlich, Head Coach, Texas Tech Lady Raiders (on3.com)

“They all want the same thing, but it really comes down to that extra effort, that extra fight, that extra belief in what they have in one another. And that's the urgency that I see is the huddles, the leadership stepping up. Game-changing plays that can occur where it's a charge, a loose ball, an extra rebound, tough free throws. I just feel like that's when you see urgency stepping up with these seniors is that togetherness that they're playing with and they're really locked in and fighting for each other.”

— Krista Gerlich, Head Coach, Texas Tech Lady Raiders (on3.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.