AP

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Davide Moretti feels like he has grown the most in his confidence for Texas Tech, and that is already showing for the sophomore from Italy.

Moretti had career highs with 17 points and five 3-pointers as the Red Raiders had a second consecutive lopsided win to start the season, 84-52 over Mississippi Valley State on Friday night.

"I've got to thank my teammates. We were sharing the ball. Then I just had to make the shot. That's what I did," Moretti said. "I work out every day. ... I'm not surprised, to be honest."

Jarrett Culver had 12 points and Deshawn Corprew 11 points and eight rebounds as Tech won its 40th consecutive nonconference home game over nearly five years — including all 21 such home games played under third-year coach Chris Beard. Norense Odiase had eight points and 10 rebounds.

The Red Raiders (2-0) haven't trailed this season, scoring the first nine points against Mississippi Valley only three nights after a season-opening 50-point victory over Incarnate Word.

Moretti, who said he is in the gym constantly with Culver, had 12 of his points before halftime against Mississippi Valley. That included a buzzer-beating 3 that made it 43-20 at the break. Moretti finished shooting 6-of-9 overall, and 5-of-7 on 3s.

There were consecutive 3s by Moretti in less than a minute midway through the first half, and when he had another with 7:52 left, the Red Raiders lead had grown to 30-13.

Jordan Evans had 16 points with four 3s, and Michael Green made three 3s while scoring 15 points for the Delta Devils (0-2).

BIG PICTURE

Mississippi Valley St.: A 32-point loss was a bit of progress for Mississippi Valley, considering its 69-point loss at Nebraska in its opener. The Delta Devils started 0-20 last season.

Texas Tech: After going to the NCAA Elite Eight for the first time last season, and losing five seniors and one-and-done standout Zhaire Smith, the Red Raiders are still figuring out combinations on the court. There were 13 players who got into the game, seven of them playing at least 17 minutes. Tech shot 50 percent from the field (32 of 64), and 42 percent on 3-pointers (8 of 19) to go along with a 49-25 rebounding advantage.

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE

Beard is 35-4 at home overall with the Red Raiders, including Big 12 games. ... The 40-game nonconference home winning streak started with a 100-69 win over St. Mary's on Dec. 30, 2013.

VERY SHORT SPURTS

The Delta Devils twice had consecutive 3s in the second half. After Culver's opening layup, Dante Scott and Evans had 3s to cut the gap to 45-26 before Culver had a dunk. Torico Simmons and Evans had 3s in a 27-second span midway through the second half, Evans getting his after Marcus Mitchell's steal. It was still a 20-point game then, and never got closer.

UP NEXT

Mississippi Valley State: The Delta Devils play the third of five consecutive road games to start the season. They play twice in Utah next week, at Utah State on Tuesday, and at Utah two days later.

Texas Tech: The Red Raiders wrap up their season-opening three-game homestand Tuesday against Southland Conference regular-season champ Southeastern Louisiana. That will be the final tuneup before playing consecutive games in Kansas City on Thanksgiving week, including a game against Southern California.

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