In a thrilling display of teamwork and determination, the Texas Tech Red Raiders defeated the Drake Bulldogs 77-64 on March 22, 2025, at the INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. This victory propels Texas Tech to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022, signaling a significant moment for a program that has steadily climbed to national prominence in recent years.
Despite playing without the injured Chance McMillian, who was sidelined due to an upper body injury, the Red Raiders demonstrated remarkable depth and versatility. Darrion Williams emerged as a standout player, scoring a game-high 28 points, complemented by 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. "I'm good. I was being dramatic, I guess," Williams said jokingly after the game, underscoring the team's resilient spirit even through individual challenges.
JT Toppin also had a stellar performance, contributing 25 points and 12 rebounds. Both players showcased their ability to dominate the paint against an undersized Drake squad, with Texas Tech outscoring the Bulldogs 50-20 in points in the paint. Their successful strategy emphasized inside scoring rather than relying heavily on three-point shooting, which fell flat as the team only managed two successful three-pointers from 14 attempts. "I think we showed that we can win in different ways," head coach Grant McCasland remarked, highlighting the adaptability his team exhibited throughout the game.
Drake, led by their star guard Bennett Stirtz, who averaged 19.2 points and 5.6 assists per game, aimed to control the tempo of the game. However, Stirtz face strong defensive coverage, finishing with only 9 of 19 shooting, illustrating how effectively Texas Tech neutralized their top threat. "We just grinded it out, man. We’ve got a lot of dogs on our team. We always play for each other," noted guard Elijah Hawkins, who also notched 16 points and set a Texas Tech single-season assist record with seven assists, displaying both leadership and skill under pressure.
The matchup represented a key moment in the NCAA Tournament for Texas Tech, echoing their past successes and building on what they had established in earlier years. The Red Raiders, a No. 3 seed in this tournament, reached the Sweet 16 with strong momentum after a strong opening-round performance against Drake. This season marks their 21stappearance in the NCAA Tournament, with a cumulative record of 20-21. The team has previously made significant strides, including a memorable run to the Final Four in 2019.
Looking ahead, Texas Tech prepares to face the Arkansas Razorbacks, who overcame the St. John’s Red Storm 75-66 to secure their placement in the Sweet 16. This matchup promises to be intense, as both teams are riding waves of confidence and talent. The Razorbacks pose a threat of their own, with a stifling defense that will test Texas Tech's offensive capabilities.
As their journey continues, the Red Raiders, including McMillian, who remains an integral part of the team's morale, are eager to make their mark. "I'm happy for my guys. It hurts I can't play, but I'm still happy. I'm still part of this team. Even if I don't play a second, I'm still happy," said McMillian, reflecting the camaraderie that defines this tight-knit squad.
This upcoming game will also be a test for Texas Tech’s overall discipline and flexibility on offense, especially with their notable turnover-low average of just 9.9 turnovers per game. If they can continue to limit mistakes while maximizing their scoring opportunities, they stand a strong chance of progressing further in the tournament.
The Red Raiders’ path to the NCAA championship remains a challenging one, but as they have demonstrated time and time again, they have the grit and determination to capitalize on their strengths and overcome obstacles.
