Texas Tech Stuns No. 3 Duke at MSG - and Uncovers Two Unexpected Gems in the Process
Texas Tech’s 82-81 upset over No. 3 Duke at Madison Square Garden wasn’t just a win - it was a revelation.
This wasn’t the Red Raiders simply catching fire or Duke having an off night. This was a team, previously untested on the national stage, stepping into the spotlight and showing they belonged.
And they did it under the kind of adversity that typically breaks a team, not elevates it.
Coming into this game, Texas Tech’s résumé was modest at best. Their most notable win had come against an unranked LSU squad, and their most complete performance might’ve been a loss at Illinois.
Solid, sure - but nothing that screamed “giant killer.” Especially not against a Duke team packed with talent and playing with the confidence of a top-three ranking.
But what unfolded in the Garden was more than just a gritty win. It was a coming-out party for a team that had been searching for an identity - and maybe found one in the most unlikely of ways.
Depth Tested, Depth Delivered
Let’s start with the obvious: Texas Tech was shorthanded. Already dealing with a depleted frontcourt due to injuries, the Red Raiders lost both Leon Horner and LeJuan Watts to fouls during the game. That left head coach Grant McCasland with no choice but to dig deep into his bench - and what he found there might just change the trajectory of this season.
Enter sophomore guard Leon Horner and true freshman swingman Nolan Groves. Neither had been major rotation pieces heading into the night. Horner’s minutes had been scattered and inconsistent, while Groves - despite a strong debut in the season opener - had largely vanished from the rotation.
But necessity is the mother of opportunity, and both players seized theirs in a big way.
Horner’s First-Half Spark
Horner played 13 minutes, most of them in the first half, and made every one of them count. Matched up defensively against Duke’s Cameron Boozer - a physical force with shades of Blake Griffin in his game - Horner was giving up size and strength. But he didn’t back down.
Before fouling out, Horner poured in six points on perfect shooting from the field and the free-throw line, and added three rebounds. More importantly, he played with a poise and confidence that belied his limited experience.
His offensive contributions came at crucial moments, and his energy helped Texas Tech weather Duke’s early surges. Without Horner’s steady hand in that first half, it’s hard to imagine the Red Raiders staying in the fight.
Groves’ Second-Half Statement
With Horner out and JT Toppin battling foul trouble, McCasland turned to Groves in the second half. And what the freshman delivered was nothing short of heroic.
Groves, giving up four inches and 45 pounds to Boozer, went toe-to-toe with the Duke star and held his ground. Boozer still got his numbers - he’s too good not to - but Groves made him work for every bucket.
He played smart, physical defense, positioning himself well and refusing to be bullied in the paint. It was the kind of defensive effort that doesn’t always show up in the box score but jumps off the film.
And it was exactly what Texas Tech needed.
Groves was, without question, the Red Raiders’ defensive MVP on the night. His presence in the paint helped stabilize a lineup that could’ve easily folded under the pressure. Instead, they held firm - and pulled off the biggest win of their season.
A Bench Reimagined
What this game revealed, beyond the final score, is that Texas Tech may have found something sustainable. With frontcourt players Josiah Moseley, Marial Akuentok, and Luke Bamgboye still sidelined by injury - and no clear timeline for their return - the emergence of Horner and Groves couldn’t have come at a better time.
Now, let’s be clear: Horner and Groves aren’t traditional big men. Horner stands 6’4”, 215 pounds; Groves is 6’5”, 205.
They’re not one-to-one replacements for the injured forwards. But what they are is tough, versatile, and capable of giving McCasland meaningful minutes - which is exactly what this team needs right now.
Horner brings an aggressive, slashing style to the offense. He’s not afraid to attack the rim, and his confidence with the ball in his hands gives the Red Raiders a new wrinkle.
At this point, he might even be a more effective option than transfer Tyeree Bryan, who was expected to be a key contributor but has yet to find his rhythm. A role reversal, with Bryan coming off the bench behind Horner, might be worth exploring.
As for Groves, he’s already proven he can defend in the post against elite talent. And don’t forget - this is a guy who averaged 34 points per game in high school at the top level in Minnesota.
He can shoot it. The stroke hasn’t been there yet in college, likely due to inconsistent playing time, but once he settles in, that shot could become a legitimate weapon.
A 6’5” interior defender who can also stretch the floor? That’s a rare and valuable piece.
What This Means Going Forward
Texas Tech came into Madison Square Garden with more questions than answers. They leave with a signature win and a clearer picture of what their rotation might look like moving forward. The injuries are still a concern, and the Big 12 grind won’t get any easier - but this team just proved it can hang with the best.
And perhaps just as importantly, they proved they’ve got more depth than anyone realized.
In a season where adversity has been the norm, the Red Raiders may have stumbled onto something special. Horner and Groves didn’t just fill in - they stepped up.
And if they keep trending the way they did against Duke, Texas Tech might not just survive this stretch. They might thrive.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a turning point.