SAN FRANCISCO — In a thrilling Sweet 16 showdown, the Texas Tech Red Raiders pulled off a stunning comeback against the Arkansas Razorbacks, winning 85-83 in overtime on March 27, 2025. Darrion Williams emerged as the hero, scoring the game-tying three-pointer with just nine seconds left in regulation before netting the decisive basket with 7.3 seconds remaining in overtime, propelling Texas Tech to the Elite Eight.
For much of the game, it seemed like Arkansas would secure a victory, as they built a commanding lead of 16 points in the second half. However, the Red Raiders showcased their resilience, closing the game with a remarkable 16-3 run over the final minutes to force overtime.
Texas Tech, which entered the tournament as the third seed and is now 28-8, faced significant challenges, particularly in shooting. The team struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 8-of-32 three-point attempts, while Arkansas, the tenth seed, shot 10-of-25 from three. Yet, it was Texas Tech's relentless determination that ultimately turned the tide.
Coach Grant McCasland praised Williams, saying, “Darrion Williams is the heart of this team. He’s just a resilient guy. I can’t even explain it. I put faith in him because I do believe that he’ll find a way in one-game scenarios to do whatever it takes to win.” Williams finished the night with 20 points, after a rough start where he shot only 2-of-12 in the first half.
Christian Anderson led Texas Tech with 22 points, contributing significantly to the comeback, including a crucial three-pointer that tied the game at 72 with just over a minute left in regulation. JT Toppin also played a vital role, scoring 20 points and grabbing nine rebounds, helping the Red Raiders maintain their composure as the game unfolded.
As the clock wound down in regulation, Williams hit a contested three-pointer that sent the game into overtime. “I just wanted to stay aggressive and stop settling for 3s,” Williams said. “I was trying to get to the rim. They were pretty tall and lengthy, but they weren’t really built. Coach just said to keep going through their chest and I’m going to make them when it matters.”
In overtime, Texas Tech took the lead for the first time since the early minutes of the game, thanks to a basket from Toppin. The teams exchanged blows, with Arkansas tying the game again through D.J. Wagner before Williams delivered the final blow, scoring down low to secure the win.
Arkansas, which had previously defeated No. 7 Kansas and No. 2 St. John’s to reach the Sweet 16, ended their season with a bitter loss. Johnell Davis led the Razorbacks with 30 points and six rebounds, while Karter Knox added 20 points. Coach John Calipari expressed disappointment but also pride in his team’s journey, stating, “We’re all disappointed here, but I told them, there’s nothing they individually or my team could do to disappoint me because of what they’ve done this year.”
The Red Raiders' victory marks their third Elite Eight appearance in school history, with their previous runs in 2018 and 2019, the latter ending in a loss to Virginia in the national championship game. This year, they will face off against the top-seeded Florida Gators on March 29, 2025, at 3:09 PM PT, with a spot in the Final Four on the line.
Texas Tech’s comeback victory is notable not just for the score but for how they achieved it. Despite being undersized and missing key player Chance McMillian due to an oblique injury, the Red Raiders outworked Arkansas, particularly on the boards, where they secured 22 offensive rebounds.
As the tournament progresses, the Red Raiders are proving to be a formidable force, reminding fans that in March Madness, no lead is safe and anything can happen. Their next challenge against Florida will be a test of their grit and determination, as they aim for a shot at the school’s second Final Four appearance.
With the excitement of the NCAA tournament in full swing, Texas Tech’s thrilling win over Arkansas stands out as a defining moment, showcasing the unpredictable nature of college basketball in March.
