WICHITA, Kan. — In a thrilling first-round NCAA Tournament matchup, the No. 3 seeded Texas Tech Red Raiders overcame a spirited effort from the No. 14 seed UNC Wilmington Seahawks to secure an 82-72 victory at the INTRUST Bank Arena on March 20, 2025. This win not only marked a significant moment for the Red Raiders, but it also represented a missed opportunity for UNC Wilmington, which fought hard but fell short in the end.
The game kicked off at 10:10 PM ET with Texas Tech bringing a strong 25-8 record into the match, having finished second in the competitive Big 12 before being eliminated by Arizona in the conference tournament. Meanwhile, UNC Wilmington, boasting a 27-7 record after winning the Coastal Athletic Association Championship, was eager to leave its mark in the NCAA Tournament after an eight-year hiatus.
Initially, the Red Raiders seized control early on, racing to an 11-3 lead just two minutes into the game, largely thanks to sharpshooter Kerwin Walton who made three 3-pointers early. Texas Tech's stellar offense, led by star sophomore JT Toppin, demonstrated impressive efficiency with a staggering 47.0% shooting accuracy from the field this season. Toppin, who averaged 18.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, was another focal point as the Raiders built a healthy lead.
However, the Seahawks were not to be underestimated. They proved resilient, closing the first half on a 15-3 run, which allowed them to tighten the score to 38-34 at halftime. This comeback effort captured the attention of fans, indicating that UNC Wilmington was ready to contend for an upset.
Despite trailing at the break, the Seahawks continued to fight back into the second half, taking a brief lead mid-way through, led by Donovan Newby, who has been pivotal all season for his team. Newby averaged 14.6 points and 3.5 assists per game, and his leadership on the court was evident as he motivated his teammates during crunch time.
As the game progressed, it became a test of endurance. With about 3:32 remaining, Texas Tech extended their lead to 73-64, showing they had no intention of letting go of the steering wheel. Walton emerged as the game's standout performer, netting a remarkable 27 points and hitting eight 3-pointers—a significant contribution that helped to tip the scoreboard in the Raiders’ favor.
Elijah Hawkins, playing all 40 minutes in the absence of injured teammate Chance McMillian, came close to achieving a triple-double with 14 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds. His contributions were vital in ensuring that Texas Tech maintained composure as UNC Wilmington mounted its attack.
Toppin finished with a solid double-double of his own, scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, forging an impactful presence in the paint that UNC Wilmington struggled to match. Meanwhile, Darrion Williams added 13 points as Texas Tech performed efficiently down the stretch, bolstering their chances of advancing.
With the time winding down, Texas Tech displayed a combination of strategic defense and clutch shooting that finally put the game on ice. The Red Raiders' experience in high-level competition shone through, particularly during tense moments when every possession counted.
Despite the final score, UNC Wilmington demonstrated they were more than just a one-and-done team. Coach Takayo Siddle’s squad showed grit and determination throughout the match and will likely walk away with valuable lessons from this tournament—an experience that serves both as motivation and a stepping stone to future seasons.
The victory marks Texas Tech's advancement to the next round, where they will face No. 11 seed Drake on Saturday—a matchup bringing additional excitement to the tournament and the potential for further upsets. As the NCAA March Madness unfolds, both teams will look back on this encounter as a testament to their season journeys.
As reported by Yahoo Sports, "the Seahawks kept it close, but Texas Tech survived to wrap up the first day of the NCAA Tournament." Fans and analysts alike will surely keep an eye on Texas Tech as they look to build on their triumph and carve a path toward the Sweet 16.
