Darrion Williams and JT Toppin propelled No. 3 seed Texas Tech to a solid 77-64 victory over No. 11 seed Drake in the NCAA Tournament's second round on March 22, 2025, showcasing their impressive skills in the process.
Williams delivered a season-high performance, scoring 28 points, while Toppin contributed 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, demonstrating Texas Tech's dominance in the paint with an overwhelming 50-20 advantage over the Bulldogs. Their win not only secured a spot in the Sweet 16 but also marked a significant moment for the Red Raiders, who are now 27-8 for the season.
Elijah Hawkins also played a key role for Texas Tech, scoring 16 points. His efforts, along with Williams and Toppin’s, helped the Red Raiders pull away from Drake, which had enjoyed a strong season of 31-4. This win denies the Bulldogs their first trip to the Sweet 16 in over 50 years.
Coach Grant McCasland expressed pride in his team's composure and strength. “Our guys were so composed and so tough,” he noted after the game. “That was a huge part of the win.” The tactical shift in approach towards the paint was a new strategy for Texas Tech, as they previously relied on their three-point shooting ability, setting a tournament record with 46 attempts against UNC Wilmington.
In contrast, against Drake, they aimed to exploit the size and scoring ability of their forwards, particularly Toppin and Williams. Both players demonstrated exceptional effectiveness; Toppin scored 19 of his points on 9-of-10 shooting in the first half, while Williams tallied 14 before halftime.
McCasland elaborated on their strategy leading up to the game, explaining how previous scouting and even a scrimmage against Drake in November contributed to their success. “We felt like you couldn't play off ball screens,” he said, discussing the necessity of letting Toppin and Williams operate in space.
Drake manager Ben McCollum praised his counterpart, saying, “They played a fantastic game. You kind of have to pick your poison with them just because of the way we're built.” The challenge for Drake was compounded by the Red Raiders’ ability to shut down their star shooter, Bennett Stirtz, holding him to a challenging 9-for-19 shooting night.
Even as the Bulldogs attempted to rally in the second half, cutting the lead to 43-38 at one point, it was the duo of Williams and Toppin that consistently answered back, scoring pivotal baskets whenever their team needed them. McCasland noted that the team's five turnovers compared to their efficient scoring underscored their resilience, “When we got the advantage and they saw it, we were able to take advantage of it,” he expressed.
The tactical shift to focus on the interior game and minimize three-point shooting proved beneficial, considering Texas Tech’s less than stellar 2-for-13 performance from beyond the arc against Drake. This adaptability demonstrated their capability to win games in various ways, rare for a team during March Madness.
The Red Raiders are now set to face No. 10 seed Arkansas on March 27, 2025, in the West Region semifinals, a matchup that promises to be a thrilling contest as Texas Tech continues their pursuit of an elusive NCAA title.
As they look forward, Recovery is also on the minds of the Texas Tech staff, as they hope to reintegrate Chance McMillian, their third-leading scorer, who has been sidelined due to an upper body injury.
With their combination of strong big men and adaptability on display, the Red Raiders are gearing up for what could be a rewarding postseason.
