In a highly anticipated matchup on March 22, 2025, the Texas Tech Red Raiders faced off against the Drake Bulldogs in Wichita, Kansas, for a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16. This significant moment marked the first time the Red Raiders reached this crucial postseason stage since 2022, when they secured a victory against Notre Dame. Once again, Texas Tech, now the No. 3 seed, aimed to triumph, but they faced a challenging opponent in No. 11 seed Drake.
Drake is known for its deliberate style of play, ranking as the slowest team in the nation with just 62 possessions per game. In stark contrast, the Red Raiders prefer a faster-paced approach, averaging 70.9 possessions per game, which ranks them 142nd nationally. With such contrasting styles, fans were eager to see if Texas Tech could impose its tempo against a team that effectively controls the game flow.
Leading the charge for Drake was standout guard Bennett Stirtz, who averaged 19.2 points and 5.6 assists per game in the lead-up to this key encounter. In their previous game, a surprising upset victory over No. 6 seed Missouri, Stirtz scored 21 points and solidified his reputation as a clutch performer. His ability to step up against formidable competition was not limited to the NCAA Tournament; earlier in the season, he delivered impressive performances against power conference teams like Miami and Kansas State.
However, Drake's reliance on Stirtz could prove problematic. Apart from him, the Bulldogs struggled offensively, with their other double-digit contributors, Daniel Abreu and Tavion Banks, averaging just 10.2 and 10.0 points, respectively. Stirtz often found himself needing to shoulder the offensive load, and Texas Tech's defense was prepared to apply heavy pressure to neutralize him.
In key team news, Texas Tech was dealing with a significant blow as senior guard Chance McMillian was ruled out just before tip-off due to a lingering upper-body injury. McMillian had missed the previous two games and had been a vital part of the Red Raiders' strategy throughout the season, averaging 14.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Head coach Grant McCasland expressed concern over McMillian's impact on the team's performance, stating that the injury was significant and hindered his confidence and playability.
Despite this setback, Texas Tech had momentum from their previous game, where they defeated UNC Wilmington 82-72. Senior guard Kerwin Walton led his team with a career-high of 27 points, showcasing his long-range shooting prowess by making eight three-pointers, which set a new program NCAA Tournament record. Icing the victory was forward JT Toppin, who excelled with averaging over 20 points per game in recent weeks.
The matchup between Texas Tech and Drake was noted for its historical context as well. It was the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The Red Raiders entered the tournament with an all-time NCAA Tournament record of 20-21, and since the tournament expanded in 1985, they boasted an 8-7 record in first-round contests. This season demonstrated Texas Tech's aspirations of regaining their national prominence, especially after their impressive performance that led them to the 2019 NCAA Final Four.
As for betting predictions, Texas Tech was favored by 7.5 points over Drake, with an over/under set at 126.5. Vegas Betting Odds highlighted the confidence in Texas Tech's chances of advancing to the following round. Players and fans, hopeful for a successful encounter, crowded the INTRUST Bank Arena, eager to witness this eagerly contested affair.
With the game tipping off at 5:10 p.m. Central Time, the stakes were high; victory would cement Texas Tech's place in the Sweet 16 and prolong the collegiate career of its players, while defeat would mean the end of their season. The intense pressure was palpable as both teams took the court, where each sought to capitalize on what would likely be a tight contest.
The stylishly different approaches of both teams — Drake’s slow, efficiency-driven tactics meeting Texas Tech’s high-paced offensive style — promised an electrifying showcase of collegiate basketball. As the game unfolded, analysts and commentators speculated about which strategy would prevail and who would rise to the occasion to make pivotal plays.
For fans, both in attendance and watching across the country, the sentiment was clear: this matchup would be one for the ages, highlighting memorable basketball performances and the thrilling uncertainty of March Madness.
As the game progressed, Texas Tech sought to leverage their depth and experience to overcome the challenges laid out by Drake’s defense. The strategy relied heavily on players like Walton and Toppin, who needed to exploit mismatches and maintain poise under pressure.
Meanwhile, Drake’s focus remained on maximizing Stirtz’s output while facilitating opportunities for Abreu and Banks to contribute more effectively. Questions swirled regarding which team would adjust best to their opponents’ strategies and execute their game plan effectively.
The culmination of this intense second-round battle underscored the drama of NCAA Tournament basketball, bringing together history, rivalry, and dreams of greatness as both teams sought championship glory.
As the Red Raiders' journey in the tournament unfolded, their resilience, adaptation, and coming-of-age moments became part of their overall storyline in a season defined by ups and downs, but ultimately underscored by determination and hope.
In a tournament filled with surprises, this game exemplified the unpredictability of March Madness, showcasing each team's strengths, weaknesses, and the relentless pursuit of victory. Whether history will remember this as a triumph for the Red Raiders or the Bulldogs remained to be seen; however, the excitement and anticipation leading into this match held the promise of unforgettable memories.
Ultimately, the outcome would reveal which team would continue their journey toward the Sweet 16, amplifying the stakes and intrigue as the tournament thunders forward.
