The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as No. 16 Texas Tech gears up to face off against No.
7 Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament quarterfinals. Tip-off is at 11:30 a.m.
CT at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO, and fans can catch all the action on ESPN.
Texas Tech's journey to a potential championship begins today, and they've earned themselves a double-bye thanks to a strong 22-9 season record. They share a 12-6 conference record with Iowa State, but it’s the Red Raiders who hold the fourth seed, while the Cyclones come in at fifth. Iowa State is riding high after a dominant 91-42 victory over Arizona State, showcasing their prowess.
Coach Grant McCasland of Texas Tech couldn't be more excited about this opportunity. "March basketball is what it's all about," he said.
"Playing in the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City is something special. It's a chance for our team to shine on a big stage."
The Red Raiders have already tasted victory against Iowa State this season, having secured an impressive 82-73 win on the road. That game saw Texas Tech firing on all cylinders, with six players hitting double digits.
Donovan Atwell led the charge with 18 points, nailing 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. Christian Anderson was instrumental too, adding 14 points and dishing out seven assists.
That win was a statement, as Tech managed a 45-29 lead by halftime and maintained their momentum with a stellar 48.3% shooting from three-point range. They also dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Cyclones 35-29.
Christian Anderson, a standout on the All-Big 12 First Team, is the heart of the Red Raiders' offense, averaging 19.2 points and leading the conference with 7.8 assists per game. Donovan Atwell is another key player, leading the Big 12 with 121 made three-pointers and contributing 13.6 points per game. LeJuan Watts and freshman Jaylen Petty add depth, scoring 11.5 and 9.5 points per game, respectively.
With 360 three-pointers this season-the second most in program history-Texas Tech is a threat from deep. As they step onto the court today, the Red Raiders are poised to make some noise and keep their championship dreams alive.