Texas Tech Men’s Basketball Update
By: Julissa Garcia / Alpha Media Intern
After 3 tough losses against TCU, Cincinnati, and Baylor, the Texas Tech Men’s Basketball team has finally gained their momentum back with a much needed win against UCF this past Saturday in Lubbock. Tech lost on the road to TCU by 7 points, lost at home for the first time this season to Cincinnati by 3 points, and lost to Baylor on the road by 6 points.
Tech Basketball has faced more challenges in these past 2 weeks than they ever expected to. From 3 straight losses, to dropping 8 spots in the AP poll, the main challenge Tech faced is illness on the team. The flu has impacted several players on Tech Basketball including Lamar Washington, who did not play in the Tech V. Cincinnati game and Warren Washington, who did not play in the Tech V. Baylor game.
Despite having illnesses on the team, Texas Tech secured a great home win 66-59 against the UCF Knights. Before Tech played UCF, they were 5-4 in the Big 12 Conference and had an overall record of 16-6, but you can add another one for Tech to the win column. Tech basketball is now 4th in the Big 12 conference. Tech had 4 players in double digit points and Darrion Williams was the leading scorer for Tech with 13 points, 13 rebounds, 1 steal and 0 turnovers. In just 23 games, Coach Mccasland and his staff have surpassed last season’s win total.
Tech basketball faces another huge challenge with a one day break and quick turnaround to play Kansas at the United Supermarkets Arena on Monday at 8:00 p.m. Kevin McCullar, Kansas senior guard, is making another return back to Lubbock to play against his previous school. The Red Raiders hope to keep their momentum going from the Saturday UCF game to have a different outcome than last year against Kansas.
College hoops have a little bit more than one month until selection Sunday for the NCAA Tournament. Selection Sunday is March 17, right after the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City and every Red Raider fan is hoping to hear Tech basketball get their name called and curious to see who, where, and when they will possibly play.