On a sweltering March evening, the Texas Tech Red Raiders stormed onto the court, ready to put their stamp on the NCAA tournament. As the crowd held its collective breath, the Red Raiders faced off against the Drake Bulldogs in a battle for supremacy. With the clock ticking away, the energy was palpable, and the stage was set for an unforgettable showdown. The magic moment arrived on March 22, 2025, as the Red Raiders clashed with the Bulldogs in a game that would leave only one team standing – and one team rejoicing.
Texas Tech Dominates Drake in the Paint
The Red Raiders’ big men took center stage in their 77-64 victory over Drake, dominating the paint and leading their team to the Sweet 16.
Red Raiders’ Bigs Take Center Stage
Darrion Williams scored a season-high 28 points, while JT Toppin added 25 points and 12 rebounds, as the duo led the charge for Texas Tech. Elijah Hawkins also made significant contributions off the bench, scoring 16 points.
Drake’s Streak Comes to an End
Drake’s eight-game winning streak came to an end, as the Bulldogs fell short of their first Sweet 16 trip in over 50 years. Bennett Stirtz scored 21 points, and Daniel Abreu added 15, but it was not enough to overcome the Red Raiders’ dominance in the paint.
Coaches Weigh In on the Game
Grant McCasland praised his team’s composure and toughness, stating, “Our guys were so composed and so tough, and that was a huge part of the win.” Ben McCollum reflected on Drake’s execution and effort, saying, “They played a fantastic game. You kind of have to pick your poison with them, just because of the way we’re built.”
Texas Tech’s Game Plan Pays Off
The Red Raiders’ inside-out attack proved effective, as Williams and Toppin combined for 53 points in the paint.
Inside-Out Attack Proves Effective
Texas Tech’s decision to funnel the ball inside to Toppin and Williams paid off, as the duo dominated the paint and led the Red Raiders to victory. The Red Raiders outscored Drake 50-20 in the paint, showcasing their superior strength and size.
Red Raiders Hold Drake to 20 Points in the Paint
Texas Tech’s big men, JT Toppin and Darrion Williams, outmaneuvered Drake’s defense, leading the Red Raiders to a 77-64 victory in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The duo’s dominance in the paint was the key to Texas Tech’s win, as they held Drake to just 20 points in the paint.
Texas Tech’s Bigs Outmaneuver Drake’s Defense
Toppin’s 9-of-10 shooting in the first half set the tone for the game, and Williams’ 14 points at the break gave Texas Tech an edge they would not relinquish. The Red Raiders’ ability to score inside was a major factor in their win, as they outscored Drake 50-20 in the paint.
The Red Raiders’ dominance in the paint was a result of their game plan, which focused on funneling the ball inside to Toppin and Williams. This strategy proved effective, as the duo combined for 53 points and 22 rebounds.
Coaches Discuss the Impact of Scrimmages
In the post-game press conference, Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland credited a scrimmage with Drake back in November for giving his team valuable defensive insights. “The reason we scrimmaged them,” McCasland said, “we figured it would be the best test of how we could defend.”
McCasland Credits Scrimmage with Drake for Defensive Insights
Drake coach Ben McCollum also reflected on the value of scrimmages in tournament preparation. “Scrimmages are huge,” McCollum said. “You can’t replicate the speed and physicality of a game in practice, but a scrimmage gets you close.”
Implications and Takeaways
The win sets up a Sweet 16 showdown between Texas Tech and Arkansas in the West Region semifinals. The Red Raiders will look to advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019.
Sweet 16 Showdown Looms for Texas Tech
The status of Chance McMillian, Texas Tech’s third-leading scorer, remains a question mark heading into the Sweet 16. McMillian has been sidelined with an upper-body injury and his availability for the Arkansas game is uncertain.
Drake’s Coach May Have a Future in Store
Drake coach Ben McCollum is a contender for the open job at Iowa, and the Bulldogs hope to keep him in Des Moines. McCollum’s success at Drake has made him a hot commodity in the coaching world.
Upcoming Matchups and Tournament Storylines
Tennessee advanced to the Sweet 16 with a win over UCLA, setting up a potential matchup with Texas Tech in the Elite Eight. The Volunteers are looking to make their first Final Four appearance since 2010.
- The Red Raiders will face Arkansas in the West Region semifinals on Thursday night in San Francisco.
- Texas Tech is looking to advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019.
- Drake’s Ben McCollum is a contender for the open job at Iowa.
Conclusion
Texas Tech’s Thrilling Win: A Look Back and Forward
In a thrilling matchup against Drake, Texas Tech emerged victorious with a stunning 77-64 win on March 22, 2025. The Red Raiders’ impressive display of athleticism, skill, and teamwork left no doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA tournament. Led by head coach Chris Beard, Texas Tech’s team displayed clinical decision-making, efficient ball movement, and a relentless pursuit of the ball. The win marked the Red Raiders’ largest margin of victory in over a year, solidifying their position as one of the top contenders in the Southland Conference.
This triumphant performance highlights the significance of the NCAA tournament, where teams like Texas Tech continue to push the boundaries of human potential. As the tournament approaches, we can expect to see a surge in the level of competition, with top programs vying for supremacy. The stakes have never been higher, and the championship title is within reach for the truly exceptional teams. With the stakes high, the game between Texas Tech and Drake will be a clash of titans, featuring some of the best players in the country.
The implications of this win ripple beyond the court, influencing the lives of college athletes, coaches, and fans alike. The triumph of Texas Tech serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that with hard work, determination, and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible. As we look to the future, we can expect to see continued innovation, progress, and growth in the world of college athletics. And for the Red Raiders, this win is just the beginning – a testament to the unbreakable spirit and unwavering dedication that define them.