Texas Tech women’s basketball became the first team in the Big 12 to cross the 10-win mark on Wednesday following its 83-43 win over Wichita State University. Head coach Krista Gerlich and redshirt-senior forward Jada Malone attributed the undefeated start to the team’s chemistry.

Gerlich said she believes the team chemistry was greatly impacted by Tech’s participation in the World University Games in July. The participation in the World University Games removed the NCAA-imposed practice limitations throughout the summer.

“We got full-on practice for the summer long,” Gerlich said. “We didn’t have an hour limitation, and we got our full team, so that was really nice.”

Participation in the World University Games allowed the Lady Raiders to practice together more than other teams in the NCAA as well as get in-game experience with each other.

Malone, who transferred to Tech after four years at Texas A&M University, also attributed the season’s early success to the team’s chemistry off the court. Malone competed with Tech at the World University Games in July.

“I’ve had teams where our chemistry wasn’t that great,” Malone said. “I was very fortunate to come here and have an amazing team.”

Malone said she feels her teammates have begun to trust her more, not only with shooting but also to pass the ball back to them. Malone has also started to better understand her teammates and their specific play styles.

“I am a lot more comfortable. I’m figuring out the offense,” Malone said. “I’m figuring out where Denae (Fritz) likes to shoot the ball from, where she needs her passes at. Same with Adlee (Blacklock), Bailey (Maupin), all of our shooters.”

The Lady Raiders have won every game by 20 points or more, with the exception of a 69-62 win against Mississippi State University, according to Tech Athletics. Gerlich said the team purposefully scheduled an easier slate of games for the beginning of the season to help with the team’s NET Ranking.

“There is no doubt that we put this schedule together to try to help our NET (Ranking)” Gerlich said.

Gerlich said the team’s focus is not to fall complacent and also being nitpicky about the small things that the team can improve on.

“They are very, very focused on continuing to get better every game and not taking anybody for granted,” Gerlich said.