NCAA 2019 March Madness: Texas Tech

By Riley S

2019 NCAA Basketball Tournament was one of the craziest on record. So many upsets; busting everyone’s brackets. But the team who may have been the biggest surprise was Texas Tech Red Raiders, although they should not have been.

The Red Raiders were 30- 6 overall, 14 -4 in conference play and seeded third in the West division. They were first overall in their conference, the Big 12. They have the nation’s best defense, which is relentless and savage. They hold their opponents to under 0.85 points per possession. They are quick and apply intense pressure on every shot, every possession. They also have a star player in Jarrett Culver. He is their leading scorer, averaging 18.9, 6.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. He was also awarded the Big 12 Player of the Year. Let’s follow the Red Raiders’ trip through the bracket.

First up, Texas Tech faced number 14 Northern Kentucky. Texas Tech won 72 to 57. Culver contributed 29 points and their defense forced 17 turnovers.

The second round Texas Tech faced Buffalo and defeated them 78 to 58. Most believe it was Texas’ defense that created Buffalo’s 36.5 shot percentage. This victory meant the Texas Tech was the last Big 12 team left in the tournament. So, The Texas Tech Red Raiders find themselves in the Sweet 16.

Texas’ win over The Michigan Wolverines (63 to 44) was fueled by Jarrett Culver's 22 points and David Moretti’s 15 points. The defense held the Wolverines to a season low of 16 points in the first half. The Red Raiders advance to the Elite Eight.

In this round, Texas Tech faces Gonzaga, which was seeded number one and was proclaimed to be their toughest opposition to date. Surprisingly, Gonzaga falls to Texas Tech, 75 to 69. The Red Raiders held Gonzaga to under 70 points, which has only happened to Gonzaga four times this season. Culver scored 19 points and was awarded the West Region’s Most Outstanding Player. Texas’ defense forced 16 turnovers. This becomes the first time Texas Tech goes to the Final Four.

Next up, number two ranked Michigan State in the Final Four. Texas Tech toughed it out to beat Michigan State 61 to 51. Culver had a hard start but came through in the clutch situations to help his team advance. The defense was again, the key to their success.

So, here comes Texas Tech to the NCAA Championship game, a place they have never been to before. They faced a number one ranked Virginia team, who had something to prove. Last year, seeded at number one, Virginia lost to a number 16 team. To say Virginia had a chip on their shoulder was an understatement. Unfortunately, Texas Tech could not hold on in overtime and lost 85 to 77. Although this outcome was not preferred by the Red Raiders it had become an historic season for them.

This season was their first ever trip to the NCAA Championship , with 31 wins and a Big 12 championship. There’s nothing for them to hang their heads about. See you next year Texas Tech Red Raiders!