Slammed down: Texas Tech tops South Dakota, 79-67

Texas Tech's Norense Odiase lays the ball up past South Dakota State's Connor Devine during the Red Raiders' game against the Jackrabbits on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Brad Tollefson/A-J Media)It would have been better to get out of the way.

Instead, two different defenders stood in the paint as Zach Smith elevated toward the rim.

And twice, the Red Raider sophomore dunked on top of them en route to Texas Tech’s 79-67 victory over South Dakota State Wednesday evening at United Supermarkets Arena.

“Ah man,” Smith said, smiling. “I’m usually pretty calm on the court, but I got a little emotional after that. I almost shed a tear. No, but it was just…