KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Texas Tech Red Raiders narrowly escaped defeat, securing a hard-fought victory over the Baylor Bears with a final score of 76-74 during the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Championship quarterfinals on March 13, 2025. This win allows Texas Tech, ranked No. 9, to advance to the tournament semifinals for the second consecutive year, creating anticipatory buzz about their next match against either the University of Arizona or the University of Kansas.
JT Toppin led the charge for Texas Tech, showcasing his talents with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocked shots. Darrion Williams contributed significantly with 14 points, and both Elijah Hawkins and Kerwin Walton chipped in with 12 points each. Despite suffering from significant foul trouble and injuries, the Red Raiders held onto their lead, never trailing throughout the game, though it came dangerously close at the end.
The game began with Texas Tech displaying offensive prowess, particularly with their three-point shooting—it was nothing short of spectacular. The Red Raiders hit 12 three-pointers, including 11 of 15 within the first 12 minutes and 35 seconds of the game, amassing 52 points by halftime, their highest score for any half this season. This initial onslaught placed Baylor, the seventh seed, at a considerable disadvantage.
Yet, as the second half unfolded, Texas Tech faced unforeseen challenges. They became stagnant on offense and struggled to capitalize on their early momentum, scoring only 24 total points after halftime. Key injuries compounded their difficulties, particularly with Chance McMillian exiting the game due to what was reported as an upper-body strain, which hindered the team's rotation. This occurred just as their scoring began to dwindle.
After McMillian’s departure, Federiko Federiko also sat out the second half due to knee issues, limiting Texas Tech's depth at both ends of the court. Kerwin Walton found himself heavily involved until he fouled out with more than five minutes left, leaving the Red Raiders with just five active players from their regular rotation. They faced substantial pressure from Baylor, who capitalized on the Red Raiders' reduced numbers.
{@start}Despite these obstacles, Texas Tech's resilience shone through. With under 20 seconds left on the clock, Elijah Hawkins stepped up to hit two clutch free throws, extending their lead to 76-72. Their defense was put to the ultimate test as Baylor frantically pushed back; Christian Anderson had the chance to extend the Bears' lead but missed two free throws just seconds later.
With tensions high, Baylor's VJ Edgecombe received the final possession of the game but could not convert on his effort as his jumper missed the mark at the buzzer. This miss allowed the Red Raiders to breathe easy, continuing their quest for the championship.
Norchad Omier was the standout for Baylor, delivering what could only be described as a career game. The fifth-year forward amassed 29 points and 15 rebounds, hauling his team through several tough stretches and keeping the game within reach. Reflecting on the Red Raiders’ first-half performance, Omier remarked, "Five players were hitting threes. It was amazing, but at the same time I came to the locker room and said, ‘I mean they couldn’t play anybetter than this,’ so I’m proud of the guys and how they came out."
Coach Grant McCasland attributed the dramatic shift from their first to second-half performance to the absence of McMillian, saying, "He’s been such a big part of our team from a rotation standpoint. I did think they started matching up with us, and I thought our inability to keep putting pressure on the paint hurt us." McCasland's statement summarizes the tightrope the Red Raiders walked as they tried to maintain control without several key players.
Now, with the win, the Red Raiders advance with hopes renewed. They will face either the No. 3 seed Arizona or No. 6 seed Kansas tomorrow evening. Texas Tech is determined to build on this victory and leverage their intense grit and determination heading forward. The urgency to secure yet another win is palpable as the team rallies around each other, encouraged by their coach's promise to adapt, improve, and thrive within the tournament’s demanding structure.
The matchup taking place at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, following the adjacent games, certainly marks the pivotal next step for both the Red Raiders and their opponents—highlighting the importance of their past battles and setting the stage for another entertaining showdown at the heart of Kansas City’s competitive atmosphere.