By Wendell Barnhouse | wendell@big12sports.com
Big 12 Sports.com Correspondent

FORT WORTH, Texas - An adult beverage is advertised using the word drinkability. Texas Tech's basketball team learned a lesson in sustainability.

The Red Raiders were coming off an inspiring 99-92 overtime defeat of 10th-ranked Washington and found themselves ranked (No. 23 in the Associated Press poll). Texas Tech's 8-0 start was the best since the 1929-30 team started 12-0. There were numerous reasons why Tuesday night's trip to TCU's Daniel-Meyer Coliseum was a disaster in waiting.

That theory was proved in the first four minutes as the Frogs blitzed to a 16-4 lead. The home team - despite vocal support for a large group of Red Raiders fans - maintained the double-digit edge most of the first half and led 41-27 with just over two minutes remaining.

But then Texas Tech proved that its perfect record isn't a fluke. A 9-0 run in the last two minutes cut the Frogs' edge to 41-36 at halftime. The Red Raiders continued to roll early in the second half, taking control and maintaining it en route to a satisfying 80-70 victory.

A perfect start was sustained and more confidence was gained.

"I think this means a lot, it shows we've got a lot of heart," said Texas Tech point guard John Roberson, who scored 21 to lead three Red Raiders in double figures. "We fought back in a hostile environment. We're like a family. We don't get down on each other."

TCU's screen/pass/cut offense baffled Texas Tech in the opening minutes. Every time a Frog zigged, a Red Raider zagged. Zvonko Buljan, a 6-9 senior center, benefitted the most. Instead of posting up, he floated to top of the circle to pop 3-pointers. Then he put the ball on the floor to drive.

With Buljan's help, TCU jumped to a 15-4 lead in the first four minutes. He scored 11 of the Frogs' first 22 points. However, Buljan didn't score again the rest of the first half. He finished with a game-high 24 but his 13 second-half points were hard earned.

Texas Tech trailed 41-27 with 2:08 to play in the first half but a 9-0 run pulled the Red Raiders to within 41-36 at halftime. They continued their roll in the second half and a 23-3 run bridged the two halves.

"Our guys were mad at halftime because we gave up 41 points," Texas Tech coach Pat Knight said. "I give our kids credit. It's been a tough week - beating a top 10 team, getting ranked, coming here with a target on our back. We went with a more athletic lineup."

Four key words for this Texas Tech team _ "a more athletic lineup." Three junior-college transfers played key roles off the bench. Guard David Tairu scored 13 points while forwards David Reese (26 minutes, 6 points, 4 rebounds) and Theron Jenkins (14 minutes, 7 points, 4 rebounds) were key defensive factors in slowing TCU's attack.

"This is the kind of game that would have been difficult for us to win last year," said junior forward Mike Singletary, who scored 17. "This is by far the most athletic team we've had since I've been here. From our first man to our 11th man, we've got guys who can contribute. We've got the talent to compete in the Big 12."