Texas Tech was sent packing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by eventual Final Four team North Carolina State last season. Red Raiders coach Grant McCasland is expecting a longer stay this year, and the road to potential victory begins when third-seeded Texas Tech (25-8) faces 14th-seeded UNC Wilmington (27-7) in Midwest Region play on Thursday night at Wichita, Kansas.
The Red Raiders are led by Big 12 Player of the Year JT Toppin, who has made significant contributions to the team after transferring from New Mexico. Toppin posted impressive averages of 18.1 points and 9.2 rebounds this season. He exemplifies the team spirit, something Coach McCasland emphasized when discussing the chemistry of this year's squad.
"With this group, I think there is a real urgency to want to play together as long as we can," McCasland said. "They really do love each other. It's genuine. I think this is a big part of winning and competing this time of year. You have to be more unselfish than you've ever been. More humble than you've ever been." The coach added, "There has to be a realness to do whatever you need to do to get it done. Every game will be different and this first game will take everything we have to win." This sentiment reflects the Red Raiders' focus heading beyond any past disappointments.
ComplicATING matters, Texas Tech's depth is tested as both Darrion Williams, who averages 14.3 points per game, and Chance McMillian, with 14.2 points per game and the team-leading 69 three-pointers, struggled with injuries suffered during last week's Big 12 tournament. Williams has been nursing a foot injury, and McMillian is recovering from an upper-body injury incurred during their quarterfinal victory against Baylor. Both players sat out Texas Tech's semifinal loss to Arizona on March 14, 2025.
McCasland is hopeful for their availability against UNC Wilmington, recognizing the necessity of depth as they enter the high-stakes environment of the NCAA Tournament. "We don’t want to enter this tournament game shy on depth, especially against tough opponents like the Seahawks," he commented.
UNC Wilmington enters the tournament with aspirations of progress, making their first appearance since the 2016-2017 season. The Seahawks hold a historical record of 1-6, their sole victory spanning back to 2002 against Southern California, where they triumphed 93-89 after overtime. Coach Takayo Siddle is optimistic about his team’s readiness, having secured their spot by winning the Coastal Athletic Association tournament.
"We're happy to be here for sure, but we want to win some games in the tournament," Siddle expressed. UNC Wilmington’s early season involved playing against formidable opponents, such as their matchup against then-No. 1 Kansas, which resulted in an 84-66 loss. This experience against power conference teams is hailed as beneficial, creating the necessary backdrop for their upcoming clash with Texas Tech.
Siddle highlighted the Red Raiders’ intensity: "They play extremely hard. They are one of the hardest playing teams in the country. That will be the first order of business to get our guys to understand this. It will be very challenging for us, but I think it is a challenge we're up for!"
The Seahawks’ offensive play is spearheaded by Donovan Newby. Newby has been noteworthy this season, achieving 20 or more points on eight occasions, both leading his team with averages of 14.6 points, 3.5 assists, and 75 total three-pointers. The squad boasts five players who have each made over 30 three-pointers this season, bringing significant firepower to this upcoming matchup.
This encounter will mark the second meeting between Texas Tech and UNC Wilmington, with the Red Raiders previously winning 85-76 during the 2002 season opener.
The victor of this highly anticipated game is set to face either No. 6 Missouri or No. 11 Drake on Saturday, March 22, 2025, ushering the winning team one step closer to their championship dreams. For both sides, this game embodies their immediate hopes and aspirations, setting the stage for what promises to be electrifying NCAA Tournament action.
