TAMPA, Fla. - Texas Tech's Tough Night Against Alabama
In a night that Texas Tech fans would rather forget, the Red Raiders faced a formidable Alabama team in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, ultimately falling 90-65 at Benchmark International Arena. From the opening tip, it was clear Alabama had brought their A-game, particularly from beyond the arc.
The Crimson Tide were on fire, sinking 14 three-pointers by the time the second half's under-4 media timeout rolled around. By the final buzzer, Alabama had drained 19 threes, marking the most Texas Tech has allowed since the 2010-11 season.
It was a shooting clinic led by Latrell Wright, who nailed six triples on his way to a 24-point performance. Meanwhile, Labaron Philon orchestrated the offense with precision, dishing out a career-high 12 assists.
For Texas Tech, the night was a struggle. LeJuan Watts led the team with 16 points, while Donovan Atwell contributed 12 and Leon Horner added 10 off the bench. The Red Raiders' shooting woes were evident, managing just 34% from the field and a chilly 16% from downtown, hitting only 4 of their 25 attempts from three-point land.
Star player Christian Anderson had a tough outing, scoring just seven points on 2-of-11 shooting, including 1-of-7 from three. It was a rough night for Texas Tech, who couldn't find their rhythm against an Alabama team that seemed unstoppable.
This game was a reminder of the highs and lows of tournament basketball. For Texas Tech, it's back to the drawing board, while Alabama moves forward with momentum, showcasing why they're a force to be reckoned with this season.