The Drake Bulldogs faced off against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in a thrilling second-round NCAA Tournament matchup on March 22, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in their March Madness run. This highly anticipated game attracted not only fans from both teams but also attracted the attention of basketball analysts who had been watching the trajectory of both squads closely.
The game began at the INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas, where excitement filled the air. Texas Tech entered as the No. 3 seed while the No. 11 seeded Drake Bulldogs were riding high after a surprising victory against Missouri in the previous round. Drake managed to upset Missouri as 6-point underdogs, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The Bulldogs were poised for what many hoped could be a Cinderella story.
However, the Red Raiders, boasting an 8.5-point spread in their favor at the time, meant business. Texas Tech had shown their talent in their own opening game, defeating UNC Wilmington in a closer match than anticipated. The Red Raiders ended with a final score of 82-72, though the game was tightly contested throughout.
The two teams seemed to have contrasting styles: Texas Tech was recognized for their offensive efficiency ranking seventh in the nation, while Drake struggled to achieve similar figures, sitting at 71st. Defensively, however, they were more evenly matched, with Drake holding the edge at 37th over Texas Tech's 32nd spot. The stakes remained high as estimates favored Texas Tech to win the game with an anticipated score of 67-61, at least according to various betting predictions.
As the game unfolded, Texas Tech emerged as the dominant force, leading the halftime score at 37-30. They thoroughly outperformed Drake in the paint, scoring 30-8 in that department during the first half, revealing a significant disparity that would come to haunt the Bulldogs. Despite having recorded impressive shooting percentages, the effectiveness of their half-court strategies has left them vulnerable.
Following the intermission, both squads pushed hard, but Drake fell short in reevaluating their tactical approach, unable to mount a strong comeback. Throughout the game, Bennett Stirtz of Drake and Texas Tech's standout player JT Toppin delivered critical performances. Stirtz led his team with poise in the first round, but against Toppin, who made his presence known in the lanes and was a double-double threat, Stirtz found himself heavily challenged.
As the Red Raiders built their lead, the Bulldogs desperately searched for answers but were met with steadfast defensive plays from Texas Tech. The game would ultimately culminate in a final score of Texas Tech 77, Drake 64, marking the end of Drake's march in the tournament and denying them their first Round of 32 game victory since 1971.
This defeat leaves a bittersweet essence to the Bulldogs’ season, which was nonetheless successful under first-year head coach Ben McCollum. The coach had effectively reestablished the program's prestige, turning heads with an impressive record throughout the season. Despite the painful exit, this season laid a solid foundation for future fortitude.
While the Cinderella run concluded, both teams were forced to reflect on their journeys through March Madness. Drake fans showed admiration for their players’ determination and heart while Texas Tech prepared to step forward in their pursuit of a title, aligning with expectations of a team with immense talent.
Although analysts initially speculated whether we were witnessing an epic collapse for Texas Tech following a hard-fought victory in the opening round, they seem to have reminded everyone why they have been considered one of the best teams in college basketball.
The game broadcast on TNT allowed fans across the country to engage with the overflowing sense of March Madness spirit, complete with the passionate displays from coaches and players alike. All in all, the dynamic shift from anticipation to celebration for Texas Tech, while an array of emotions swirled for the Bulldogs, made this playoff matchup unforgettable.
