Texas Tech advances to Sweet 16 after defeating Drake Bulldogs

In Wichita, Kansas, the Texas Tech Red Raiders faced the Drake Bulldogs in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday night. The No. 3 seed Texas Tech team secured a decisive victory, outscoring No. 11 seed Drake with a final score of 77-64. Darrion Williams emerged as the standout player, scoring a season-high 28 points, while teammate JT Toppin added 25 points and 12 rebounds. This victory marked a significant moment as it denied Drake their first Sweet 16 appearance in over five decades, solidifying Texas Tech's strength as they moved forward in the tournament. The match showcased an intense display of basketball, with Texas Tech dominating inside the paint, outscoring Drake 50-20 in that area. Drake's coach, Ben McCollum, acknowledged the challenge of facing the powerful Red Raiders, stating they executed their game plan well but struggled against the physicality of their opponents. Despite a strong performance from Bennett Stirtz, who scored 21 for Drake, the Bulldogs were unable to overcome their deficit as Texas Tech consistently answered each scoring attempt from Drake. As the Red Raiders move forward in the tournament, they continue to demonstrate their prowess on the court. They have shown resilience, especially with the absence of Chance McMillian, their third-leading scorer. Texas Tech is hopeful that McMillian can return in time for the Sweet 16, adding to their already formidable lineup. Coach Grant McCasland praised his team's composure and toughness throughout the game, which played a crucial role in their advancement. The win against Drake follows an earlier successful scrimmage against them, where Texas Tech learned effective strategies that translated into their tournament performance. This matchup not only highlighted the capabilities of Texas Tech as tournament favorites but also brought to light the Bulldogs' impressive season, ending it with a 31-4 record. Drake had previously put together an eight-game winning streak before falling to Texas Tech, showing both teams' competitive spirits in the NCAA Tournament. With this victory, Texas Tech looks poised to make a deep run in the tournament, while Drake reflects on a promising season that ultimately fell short.