Texas Tech basketball: Norense Odiase’s five best games as a Red Raider

No. 5: 16 points and 10 rebounds in his first career game

If first impressions are everything, Odiase won over Texas Tech fans immediately.  In his Red Raider debut, he registered 16 points and 10 rebounds (one of only two career double-doubles in his five years on campus) as the Red Raiders beat Loyola of Maryland 71-59 on November 14, 2014.

It was a matchup that saw Tech head coach Tubby Smith taking on his son G.G., who was leading the Greyhounds.  And for a while, it looked like the younger Smith might pull off the upset as Loyola led for the first 16-plus minutes of the game.

Up only two points to begin the second half, the Red Raiders seized momentum out of the break thanks to four-straight points from Odiase.  And in his first outing as a collegiate, we got a glimpse of the rugged style of play that would define his career.

"“He’s hard to guard inside,” his head coach told the A.P. “He’s the one post player we have who likes contact. He doesn’t mind contact.”"

Never one for playing a finesse game, Odiase brought an edge to the program that would eventually be a perfect fit for what Chris Beard cultivated.  But two years before Beard took over the program, Odiase was already establishing a physical presence in the post.

In his debut, he made just 5-11 shots but hit 6-8 from the line (which was surprising from a career 56.7% free throw shooter) while leading his team in rebounds and minutes played (27).  It is rare for a player to set his career-high in points the first time he takes the floor as a collegiate, especially considering that he was never an go-to offensive weapon.  But while the scoring prowess he showed in his debut was not an indication of what was to come, the toughness and leadership that would eventually become his hallmarks were also on full display as his career got off to a tremendous start.