As the NCAA Tournament continues to heat up, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between two up-and-coming programs: Texas Tech and Drake. The Red Raiders, fueled by their trademark tenacious defense, will take on the Bulldogs in a battle of wills that promises to leave fans on the edge of their seats. With a spot in the Sweet 16 hanging precariously in the balance, both teams will be determined to assert their dominance and advance to the next round. As the teams prepare to clash in the second round of the tournament, one question looms large: who has the edge heading into this high-stakes showdown? Can the Red Raiders’ stifling defense hold off the hot-shooting Bulldogs, or will Drake’s relentless attack prove too much for Texas Tech to handle? The answer to this question will be revealed on the court, but one thing is certain: this matchup is shaping up to be a must-watch for college basketball fans everywhere.
Scouting Report: Drake Bulldogs
Drake is riding an eight-game winning streak after their first-round NCAA Tournament victory over Missouri. In that game, the Bulldogs withstood a late comeback attempt by the Tigers and wound up widening the gap, something Texas Tech did against UNCW.
Defense is Drake’s calling card, and for Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland, it’s not about the flashiness of the Bulldogs.
“Their switchability is one,” McCasland said of what stands out in Drake’s defense. “They don’t like to do it much, but they have such good gap help. Their ball pressure is unbelievable. They don’t give up angles. They know how to create turnovers with their hands. It’s one of the most underrated teams at turning people over, even though they really have a gap mentality.”
The Bulldogs average nearly 14 forced turnovers per game, ranking in the top 50 nationally. Texas Tech, though, is one of the best at taking care of the ball. The Red Raiders average just 9.8 turnovers per contest, which is 25th in the country.
Bulldogs’ Defense: A Key Factor in the Game
Drake’s defense is the key to their success, and Texas Tech knows it.
“They present a lot of issues offensively and defensively,” Drake head coach Ben McCollum said, “and we need to find a way to kind of slow down some of those things.”
Player to Watch
Texas Tech’s Darrion Williams
Darrion Williams looked as fresh Thursday against UNCW as he had in a number of weeks. Texas Tech managed Williams’ workload, and he admitted he was pretty rusty shooting — he was 5-of-15 from the field — but finished with 13 points and nine rebounds on the night.
“Couldn’t make shots,” Williams said, “but trying to do whatever I can for my team, not shooting bad ones. Obviously I want to make all the ones I missed, but I felt good.”
Drake’s Bennett Stirtz: A Smooth and Controlled Game
On the flip side, all attention is on Drake’s Bennett Stirtz. The 6-foot-4 guard plays a smooth, controlled game and doesn’t force the issue when defenses are focused on shutting him down.
For example, Stirtz took just three shots (making all of them) in the second half against Missouri, none of them coming until the 10:11 mark. In that time, Drake expanded its lead and wound up winning by double digits.
Stirtz is more than willing to work the ball around the court and wait for the right time to pounce. Patience will be a virtue in trying to contain him.
Score Prediction: Texas Tech 78, Drake 77
The Red Raiders have a decent size advantage in this one with nobody on Drake’s roster matching the height of Texas Tech’s 6-foot-9, Big 12 Player of the Year JT Toppin, who had a relatively quiet game against UNCW.
Game Prediction
Score Prediction: Texas Tech 78, Drake 77
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as the Texas Tech Red Raiders face off against the Drake Bulldogs in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Unionjournalism predicts a nail-biting finish, with Texas Tech emerging victorious with a score of 78-77. This prediction is based on a meticulous analysis of both teams’ strengths and weaknesses.
Red Raiders’ Offense vs. Bulldogs’ Defense
Texas Tech, known for their explosive offense, boasts an average of 80.9 points per game. This formidable offensive capability is anchored by standout players like JT Toppin, who was named the Big 12 Player of the Year. Toppin’s 18.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, coupled with the perimeter shooting prowess of Darrion Williams (14.3 points, 36.5% from 3) and Chance McMillian (14.2 points, 43.4% from 3), make the Red Raiders a constant threat on the offensive end.
Drake, on the other hand, is renowned for their stifling defense, allowing just 58.38 points per game, the best in the nation. Head coach Ben McCollum’s defensive strategy revolves around exceptional switchability and gap help, making it difficult for opponents to find open shots. The Bulldogs’ ability to force turnovers, averaging nearly 14 per game, adds another layer of complexity to their defensive arsenal.
Texas Tech’s head coach, Grant McCasland, acknowledged Drake’s defensive prowess, highlighting their exceptional ball pressure and turnover-creating abilities. “Their switchability is one of their standout traits,” McCasland noted. “They don’t like to do it much, but they have such good gap help. Their ball pressure is unbelievable. They don’t give up angles. They know how to create turnovers with their hands. It’s one of the most underrated teams at turning people over, even though they really have a gap mentality.”
Turnovers and Ball Control: A Key to Success
While Drake’s defense is formidable, Texas Tech’s ability to take care of the ball could be a decisive factor. The Red Raiders are one of the best teams in the country at minimizing turnovers, averaging just 9.8 per game, which ranks 25th nationally. This low turnover rate is a testament to their disciplined play and effective ball control.
Drake’s defensive pressure is designed to force mistakes, but Texas Tech’s experienced players, particularly Elijah Hawkins who led the Big 12 in assists, are adept at navigating these challenges. Hawkins’ ability to orchestrate the offense and minimize turnovers will be pivotal in this matchup.
Texas Tech’s March Madness Chances
Why the Red Raiders Can Reach the Final Four
Texas Tech’s path to the Final Four is bolstered by their offensive firepower and depth. The Red Raiders rank sixth in offensive efficiency, per KenPom, and have a versatile lineup that can score in multiple ways. JT Toppin’s dominance in the post, combined with the perimeter shooting of Williams, McMillian, and Christian Anderson, makes them a well-rounded offensive threat.
The addition of Kerwin Walton (40.2% from 3) and Kevin Overton (8.2 points) to the starting lineup has further enhanced the Red Raiders’ offensive capabilities. Walton and Overton have been gaining more minutes, which will be crucial as the team advances through the tournament.
Elijah Hawkins, who leads the Big 12 in assists, is another key player. His ability to distribute the ball and set up teammates for open shots is a vital part of Texas Tech’s offensive strategy. Hawkins could also set a single-season record for assists in Texas Tech history, further solidifying his importance to the team.
Why They Might Fall Short
Despite their strengths, Texas Tech faces significant challenges that could derail their March Madness dreams. The most pressing concern is health. Key players like Darrion Williams and Chance McMillian are dealing with injuries, which could impact their performance. If these players are not at full strength, it could significantly hinder the Red Raiders’ chances.
Another potential pitfall is their performance in close games. Texas Tech has a 6-8 record in games decided by less than 10 points, which is not ideal for a team aiming for a deep tournament run. Eight of their losses this season have been by single digits, indicating a tendency to struggle in tight contests.
McCasland has acknowledged the need for resilience in close games. “We’ve had some close games this season, and it’s been a learning experience for us,” he said. “We need to be better in those situations if we want to go far in the tournament.”
Health and Close Games: A Double-Edged Sword
Health is a double-edged sword for Texas Tech. While they have shown resilience when key players are unavailable, their performance is noticeably better when everyone is on the court. The Red Raiders have a versatile eight-man rotation that allows for different roles, but the presence of all key players is essential for their offensive and defensive success.
In close games, Texas Tech’s ability to execute under pressure will be tested. Their 6-8 record in such games suggests a need for improvement. Each loss can be traced back to specific factors, whether it’s a missed shot, a turnover, or a player’s absence. This highlights the importance of consistency and mental toughness in high-pressure situations.
As Texas Tech advances through the NCAA Tournament, their ability to manage these challenges will determine their fate. With a strong offensive lineup and a defense that can hold its own, the Red Raiders have the potential to reach the Final Four. However, they must address their health concerns and improve their performance in close games to fulfill their March Madness aspirations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our analysis of the Texas Tech basketball vs. Drake prediction for the 2025 NCAA Tournament second round has revealed a closely contested matchup. We’ve examined the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, including Texas Tech’s stifling defense and Drake’s potent offense. The Red Raiders’ ability to limit scoring opportunities and the Bulldogs’ reliance on their three-point shooting will be key factors in determining the outcome of this game.
The significance of this matchup extends beyond the court, as a victory for either team can propel them into the national spotlight and set them up for a deep tournament run. For Texas Tech, a win would validate their regular season success and demonstrate their ability to perform under pressure. Meanwhile, a Drake upset would cement their status as a Cinderella story and bring attention to their program. As the NCAA Tournament continues to unfold, the implications of this game will resonate throughout the college basketball landscape.
As the teams take to the court, one thing is certain: only one can advance to the next round. Will Texas Tech’s defensive prowess be enough to stifle Drake’s high-powered offense, or will the Bulldogs’ shooting prowess prove too much for the Red Raiders? The answer will have to wait until game time. As the buzzer sounds, one team will move closer to their championship dreams, while the other will be left to ponder what could have been. In the end, it’s not just about winning or losing – it’s about the will to survive and advance in the madness of March.