In a breathtaking overtime showdown, the No. 22 Texas Tech Red Raiders pulled off a stunning victory over the No. 6 Houston Cougars with a final score of 82-81, thanks to Chance McMillian's impeccable free throws. This victory marks Texas Tech's sixth consecutive win, enhancing their impressive record to 17-4 overall and advancing them to an 8-2 standing in the Big 12 Conference.
McMillian, who delivered an outstanding performance with a total of 23 points, was the hero of the night when he sank two crucial free throws with only 16 seconds remaining in overtime. Texas Tech's Elijah Hawkins contributed significantly with 17 points, while Kerwin Walton added 14 points, showcasing the team's depth and versatility.
For the Cougars, L.J. Cryer was a standout performer with 22 points, accompanied by J’Wan Roberts who added 18 points, and Milos Uzan who secured 10 points. The Cougars had enjoyed an impressive 13-game winning streak and a remarkable unbeaten run at home since January 2023 until this upset.
The game also featured a dramatic intervention by Darrion Williams, who hit a crucial 3-pointer tying the game at 72 with just 30 seconds remaining in regulation time. Houston's J’Wan Roberts attempted a buzzer-beater, but his shot was expertly blocked by Federiko Federiko, forcing the match into overtime.
In an unexpected twist, Texas Tech's coach, Grant McCasland, was ejected from the game after receiving two technical fouls early in the first half. The incident stemmed from McCasland's protest against a flagrant 2 call on JT Toppin, following a controversial play involving Houston’s Joseph Tugler. Despite this setback, Texas Tech remained focused, effectively rallying without their head coach.
This victory has crucial implications for Texas Tech as they continue to solidify their position within the Big 12 Conference. They currently trail just behind Arizona and Houston in the loss column, and are well-positioned to make a significant impact as the season progresses.
Houston, now with a 17-4 record and a 3-4 standing in Quad 1 games, sees its formidable 18-game Big 12 winning streak come to an end. The team is now gearing up to host Oklahoma State, aiming to bounce back swiftly. Meanwhile, Texas Tech prepares to face Baylor, eager to continue their winning momentum.
Both teams demonstrated excellent tenacity at the free-throw line; Texas Tech shot 24 of 34 while Houston managed 18 of 27. As the competition heats up, these encounters highlight the intensity and excitement that college basketball fans live for.
