Texas Tech 71, New Mexico 48

ALBUQUERQUE, March 30 (UPI) -- Plenette Pierson scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds Saturday night as second-seeded Texas Tech crushed sixth-seeded New Mexico, 71-48, in the semifinals of the NCAA women's Midwest Regionals.

The Lady Raiders (29-5) led by 22 points at halftime after holding the Lobos to just 25 percent (7-for-28) from the field in the first half.

Pierson hit 6-of-12 field-goal attempts and added four assists and three steals as Texas Tech advances to its fourth all-time appearance in the Elite Eight and first since the 2000 season.

Jia Perkins, who has scored in double figures in 33 of 34 games this year, recorded 12 points, five assists and five steals and Jolee Ayers added 12 points and six rebounds for the Lady Raiders.

Casey Jackson contributed nine points and 11 boards in 24 minutes off the bench for Texas Tech, which will play top-seeded Duke in the regional final on Monday.

Jordan Adams scored 20 points and blocked four shots for New Mexico (24-9), which fell to 1-10 in the all-time series against the Lady Raiders.

Mandi Moore added 14 points, four rebounds and four assists for the Lobos, who committed 16 turnovers and shot just 33 percent from the floor.