This past Saturday, Texas Tech made headlines by pulling off an amazing upset against No. 6 Houston, winning 82-81 in a nail-biting overtime match. This thrilling victory not only shocked fans but also put an end to Houston’s impressive 33-game home winning streak, marking a significant moment for the Red Raiders.
Early Controversies Shake the Game
The matchup at the Fertitta Center in Houston took a dramatic turn early in the game when Texas Tech’s forward JT Toppin was ejected after receiving a Flagrant Foul 2 for unintentional contact with a Houston player. His ejection was a hot topic afterward, especially since Texas Tech’s head coach Grant McCasland was also shown the door shortly after for voicing his displeasure about the call. McCasland later expressed his disagreement, calling the officiating “egregious,” a sentiment echoed by Texas Tech’s athletic director, Kirby Hocutt, who reached out to the Big 12 commissioner regarding the incident.
Astonishing Comeback
Despite these setbacks, the Red Raiders didn’t give up. They trailed by six points with minutes remaining on the clock. The turning point came when Darrion Williams hit a clutch game-tying three-pointer, which forced the game into overtime. This moment electrified the Texas Tech bench and their fans, showcasing the team’s fighting spirit despite losing key players.
Star Performances Lead the Charge
Leading the charge for Texas Tech was Chance McMillian, who delivered a standout performance by scoring 23 points, including six critical points during overtime. Elijah Hawkins also made significant contributions, with 17 points, four assists, and six rebounds. Houston’s top player, LJ Cryer, ended the game with 22 points, while J’Wan Roberts added 18 points and seven rebounds for the home team. But in the end, it was Texas Tech’s determination that was on full display as they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
Significant Records and Implications
| Team | Win Streak | Big 12 Record |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech | 6 Games | 8-2 |
| Houston | 0 Games | 9-1 |
This victory was not just another game; it marked Texas Tech’s best 10-game start in Big 12 history, showcasing their strong performance this season. With their morale high after this thrilling win, Texas Tech is aiming to make an impressive run as they continue through their season.
Looking Ahead
As Texas Tech celebrates this remarkable achievement, they are now facing a crucial stretch in their schedule. Their recent momentum could be a game-changer as they prepare for more tough matchups against teams in the Big 12. The players have shown that they can handle adversity and come out on top, which is sure to light a fire under them for the remainder of the season.
This exciting game between Texas Tech and Houston proves that anything can happen in college basketball, making it a thrilling sport to follow. Fans will certainly be looking forward to what the Red Raiders will do next!
