Kansas City, Mo. - The Texas Tech Red Raiders faced a tough challenge against Iowa State, falling 75-53 in the Big 12 Tournament at the T-Mobile Center. Injuries and an unfamiliar court surface contributed to their struggles, as they now shift focus to the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Hot Start, Cold Finish
Texas Tech came out firing, nailing three early three-pointers to jump to a 10-point lead. However, the Cyclones remained resilient, capitalizing on a 15-minute shooting drought by the Red Raiders. Donovan Atwell and Christian Anderson finally broke the dry spell late in the first half, but the damage was done.
Trouble with the Tournament Floor
The Big 12 Tournament introduced a new GlassFloor LED court, and it proved to be a slippery challenge for many players. Texas Tech seemed particularly affected, with several players struggling to maintain their footing against Iowa State’s physical play. Anderson, in particular, appeared to tweak something multiple times, highlighting the court's impact on player safety.
Injury Woes for McCasland
Coach Grant McCasland faced yet another setback with injuries impacting his squad's tournament run. For the third consecutive year, unexpected injuries have hindered Texas Tech's progress.
This time, both LeJuan Watts and Christian Anderson exited the game with potential injuries, leaving McCasland to rely on his younger players to finish the match. Despite the loss, the focus now shifts to regrouping and preparing for the NCAA Tournament.