Texas Tech Embraces the Challenge of Facing Duke at Madison Square Garden
Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland isn’t sugarcoating the moment: Saturday night’s matchup against No. 3 Duke at Madison Square Garden is a major opportunity for his 19th-ranked Red Raiders - but it’s not just about showing up under the bright lights.
“For us, to have these kind of games is great, but our intent isn’t to play in them. Our intent is to win them,” McCasland said.
That mindset is exactly what you want to hear from a program that’s still shaping its identity under McCasland’s leadership. The Red Raiders are coming off a 101-90 win over Northern Colorado, a game that showcased their offensive firepower but also exposed some lingering defensive issues. Giving up 90 points at home, regardless of the opponent, tends to raise a few eyebrows - and McCasland knows it.
“This group is continuing to grow,” he said. “And this will be nothing different than how do we get our best effort in this one. And it doesn’t matter if we’re playing Northern Colorado or Duke.”
That’s a coach trying to instill consistency - a vital trait for any team looking to make noise in March. But make no mistake: this weekend’s opponent is a different beast.
Duke brings elite talent, experience, and a national spotlight everywhere it goes. And playing them at Madison Square Garden?
That’s about as big as it gets in the regular season.
For a Texas Tech team still trying to find its defensive identity, Saturday night will be a measuring stick.
McCasland, though, isn’t letting the moment get too big. He’s focused on preparation, not the hype.
“We should go out and compete and do everything we can to help our team win,” he said. “So, you know, we’re traveling and we’re playing in a new road environment that this group has not played in.”
That’s a subtle but important note. This will be the first time this version of the Red Raiders steps into a stage like this - not just because of the opponent, but because of the venue and the atmosphere.
Madison Square Garden has a way of testing your composure. Add in a fan base like Duke’s - which travels well and shows up in force - and it becomes a true road test, even on a neutral court.
“And how do we handle a hostile crowd? Because I’m sure there’ll be plenty of Duke fans in the building,” McCasland said. “Travel, prepare yourself, play a great team on the road, and scrap and find a way to win.”
That last part - scrap and find a way to win - is the heart of what McCasland is building in Lubbock. It’s not about glitz or rankings.
It’s about toughness, effort, and execution. The Red Raiders are still growing, still figuring out who they are defensively, but games like this one can accelerate that process.
So when Texas Tech takes the floor at the Garden on Saturday night, it won’t just be about the scoreboard. It’ll be about proving they belong in these kinds of games - not just as participants, but as contenders.