Texas Tech's Chance McMillian sidelined by injury in Sweet 16 clash

In the United States, on March 28, 2025, the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Arkansas Razorbacks faced off in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. This match was significant as it marked the first encounter between the two teams for the season. The No. 9 Texas Tech Red Raiders, with a record of 27-8, were looking to maintain momentum after performing strongly in the Big 12 Conference. However, the team was dealt a blow with the absence of Chance McMillian, their leading outside shooter, who was ruled out due to an oblique injury obtained during the Big 12 Tournament earlier in the month. McMillian had been a key contributor to the team, leading with 69 3-pointers made and boasting a shooting percentage of 43.4% from beyond the arc. Despite his hopes to play, this marked his fourth consecutive game missed due to injury, occurring during a pivotal moment in the tournament. The matchup against Arkansas, who had a record of 22-13, was crucial for both teams, as they sought to advance further in the tournament. Arkansas had been inconsistent in the SEC, finishing with a record of 9-11. The Razorbacks were expected to welcome back forward Adou Thiero, who had been sidelined since February 22 due to a knee injury, enhancing their chances in the game. Players like Adou Thiero, who leads the team in scoring and rebounding, were anticipated to make a significant impact despite his limited playtime in the earlier rounds of the tournament. Statistically, Texas Tech had averaged 80.8 points per game, while allowing only 71 points, which showcased their offensive strength. The recent performance leading up to the Sweet 16 had seen them win seven out of their last ten games, averaging a healthy 76.9 points per game, shooting at 43.7% from the field, and averaging 33.1 rebounds per game. In contrast, Arkansas was scoring 76.6 points per game and was coming into the game with a solid performance of 78 points per game over their last ten matches, demonstrating strong offensive capabilities themselves. This highlighted the potential for a high-scoring game in the context of the tournament. As the match neared, the ramifications of McMillian's absence became more pronounced, as it impacted Texas Tech's strategy and depth. While the Red Raiders aimed to leverage their scoring and rebounding advantages, the Razorbacks, led by the returning Thiero, sought to exploit the vulnerability created by McMillian's injury. This Sweet 16 was set to be not just a test of skill and strategy but also an examination of how each team adapted to their respective challenges, underscoring the competitive nature of the tournament and the importance of every player's contribution during such critical games.