In an electrifying college basketball showdown, the Texas Tech Red Raiders pulled off a stunning upset against the No. 6 Houston Cougars, winning 82-81 in overtime on Saturday. The game, held at the Fertitta Center in Houston, was filled with excitement and unexpected twists, including the ejection of both a player and the head coach from Texas Tech.
Key Players Shine in an Intense Matchup
Chance McMillian was the hero for Texas Tech, leading the team with 23 points. His performance in the overtime period was crucial, especially when he sank two important free throws with just 14 seconds left on the clock, solidifying Texas Tech’s victory. Meanwhile, Elijah Hawkins contributed significantly with 17 points, making sure the team stayed competitive. Houston’s LJ Cryer kept his team in the game, scoring 22 points, while J’Wan Roberts added 18 points and seven rebounds.
Controversial Ejections Shape the Game
The game took a controversial turn early on when star forward JT Toppin was ejected after receiving a flagrant foul 2 for making inadvertent contact with a Houston player. Head coach Grant McCasland followed suit soon after, getting ejected for arguing the call. Texas Tech’s athletic director Kirby Hocutt described the ejection as ‘egregious’ and has reached out to the Big 12 commissioner to discuss the incident.
Dramatic Moments Lead to Overtime
The match saw multiple lead changes, with Texas Tech overcoming a six-point deficit in the closing minutes. The moment that brought everyone to the edge of their seats was when Darrion Williams hit a thrilling three-pointer to tie the game and push it into overtime, leaving fans roaring with excitement. The players showcased impressive teamwork and skill under pressure.
The Impact of the Defeat
This victory not only marked an impressive achievement for Texas Tech but also ended Houston’s remarkable 33-game home winning streak. Since the beginning of the Big 12 season, Texas Tech has been on fire, with this victory extending their winning streak to six games. They are now 5-0 on the road in the conference play, showcasing their skill and determination.
Game Highlights
| Team | Points | Top Scorer | Top Scorer Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech | 82 | Chance McMillian | 23 |
| Houston | 81 | LJ Cryer | 22 |
The Road Ahead
As the season progresses, both teams will need to focus on their upcoming games. For Texas Tech, this victory is a major confidence boost with intense matches coming up. They will aim to keep their strong momentum while Houston will certainly look to bounce back quickly from this tough loss.
