The Texas Tech Red Raiders extended their non-conference home winning streak to 44 games on Sunday, but if you’re looking for a statement win, this wasn’t it. Their 76-72 victory over Wyoming was the narrowest margin of victory during that entire streak-and it didn’t come without some serious sweat. Even last year’s 16-16 squad under Mark Adams, which faced a noticeably softer non-conference slate, never found itself quite this close to losing in Lubbock.
That’s the part that raises eyebrows. Wyoming’s no pushover, but they’re also not the kind of team that should be pushing a Big 12 contender to the brink.
With conference play just around the corner and the Big 12 looking as deep and dangerous as ever, Texas Tech’s margin for error is shrinking fast. This team doesn’t just need to improve-it needs to find its identity, and soon.
A Mental Game, Not a Physical One
Let’s be clear: the Red Raiders have the talent. Physically, this team has the tools to do damage in March.
But right now, the issue isn’t about athleticism or Xs and Os-it’s about engagement. Too often, this group starts slow, plays flat, and struggles to maintain energy for 40 minutes.
That was the case again against Wyoming.
The game opened with both teams trading buckets, neither able to take control. Eventually, Texas Tech started to find some rhythm late in the first half, building a 10-point lead.
But instead of closing strong, they let their foot off the gas. Wyoming took full advantage, closing the half on an 11-2 run that completely flipped the momentum.
Frankly, the Red Raiders were lucky to escape with the win.
Leland Walker: A One-Man Wrecking Crew
Much of that tension came courtesy of Wyoming guard Leland Walker, who put on a show. He dropped 28 points on 10-of-20 shooting, grabbed five boards, added two assists, and picked up a couple of steals for good measure. Texas Tech’s defense, while solid overall-they held Wyoming 15 points below their season average-had no answer for Walker.
Walker was electric. Quick, decisive, and confident, he looked every bit like a high-major point guard.
His ability to get into the lane, create space, and hit shots kept Wyoming in the game from start to finish. It’s not hard to imagine how different this game might’ve looked if he’d been wearing scarlet and black instead of brown and gold.
LeJuan Watts Steps Up
On the Texas Tech side, the brightest spot came from LeJuan Watts, who continues to grow into a key offensive piece. He scored 19 points on 6-of-12 shooting and chipped in three assists. More importantly, Watts played with a physicality and confidence that this team needs more of.
Midway through the second half, Tech made a conscious effort to get its bigger guards working inside, and Watts led the charge. His ability to score in the paint and create mismatches gave the Red Raiders a much-needed offensive spark. If he can bring that same presence on the defensive end-something head coach Grant McCasland has been pushing for-Watts could become a staple in the lineup, right alongside JT Toppin and Christian Anderson.
The Road Ahead
There’s no sugarcoating it: this was a shaky performance. But it’s also December.
There’s time to fix things-but not much. The Big 12 doesn’t wait for anyone to find their rhythm.
If Texas Tech wants to be more than just a tough out in March, they’ll need to clean up the lapses in energy, tighten up defensively, and find a consistent third scoring option behind Toppin and Anderson.
Watts may be that guy. The potential is there.
But potential alone won’t cut it once the conference gauntlet begins. The Red Raiders have the pieces.
Now it’s about putting them together-before it’s too late.