The Texas Tech Red Raiders have secured their advancement to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament after a 77-64 victory over the 11th-seeded Drake Bulldogs in a thrilling second-round matchup held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. This win builds upon Texas Tech's impressive run in the tournament, demonstrating their resilience and strategic gameplay.
The game was packed with intensity as Texas Tech, seeded third in the tournament, faced off against the Bulldogs who had made an upset by defeating Missouri in the first round. Entering this clash, the Red Raiders were favored by 7.5 points, but fans were still on the edge of their seats, anticipating a game that would test both teams' mettle.
As the game unfolded, significantly impactful plays were made by key players from both teams. Texas Tech's Darrion Williams showcased an outstanding performance by scoring 28 points while also contributing 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Not far behind was teammate JT Toppin, who recorded 25 points and secured 12 rebounds, demonstrating his prowess in the paint.
A turning point came with about 2:30 left in the game when Christian Anderson made a crucial 3-pointer, positioning Texas Tech for a solid victory. Despite Drake's attempt to stage a comeback, the Red Raiders managed to maintain their lead throughout the second half, highlighting their determination and focus to avoid any slip-ups.
The first half closed with Texas Tech leading 37-30, highlighted by JT Toppin's remarkable 19 points in that period, having shot 9-of-10 from the field. Both teams entered the game known for their defensive capabilities, with Texas Tech ranked 36th and Drake closely following at 38th in defensive efficiency, according to KenPom rankings.
Drake, whose record stood at an impressive 31-3 prior to this match, had shown great potential coming off their victory against Missouri, where they effectively contained their opponents. However, they stumbled against Texas Tech. The Bulldogs struggled with their free-throw shooting, finishing 12-24 compared to Missouri's better performance of 23-26 in their first-round matchup.
Drake's Bennett Stirtz, who had played all 40 minutes and scored a game-high of 21 points against Missouri, was expected to be a crucial player but found himself hindered in this matchup as the formidable Texas Tech defense took control.
The game was tightly contested throughout much of the first half, with Texas Tech only taking the lead late into the period. They kept their composure no matter the scoreline, leveraging their scoring depth to push ahead. Red Raiders’ coach Mark Adams emphasized the importance of focusing on defensive metrics while maintaining their offensive rhythm, a strategy that clearly paid off.
Fans witnessed a competitive environment at INTRUST Bank Arena, but ultimately, it was Texas Tech that thrived under the pressure, not allowing the Bulldogs a chance to capitalize late in the game. They dominated key aspects such as rebounding and finished with a slightly better field goal percentage of 49.2%, compared to Drake's 45.3%.
This game marks another significant milestone for Texas Tech, as they continue their pursuit of a championship title, already having shown their capacity to take down formidable opponents. They will now prepare to face off against the victor of the upcoming matchup between Arkansas and St. John's in the Sweet 16.
The clash of these two teams highlights the unpredictable excitement that March Madness brings each year, with underdog stories, thrilling upset potential, and the relentless pursuit of glory on the basketball court. As both teams conclude their tournament journeys, fans and players will look forward to next year's tournament, eagerly anticipating another opportunity to shine.
