Texas Tech was in a big funk heading into the team’s regular season finale against TCU. While a win didn’t change much when it came to the NCAA Tournament, it gives them some good vibes heading into Championship Week.
Texas Tech was on top of the Big 12 not too long ago, and seemed poised to end the Kansas Jayhawk’s consecutive streak of regular season titles. But an injury to star point guard Keenan Evans derailed those hopes, with him being nowhere near 100% in the next couple of weeks.
First came the loss to Baylor, then despite being shorthanded, gave Kansas everything they had, before falling at home for the first time this season in an emotional loss. They struggled to both get healthy and mentally recover, taking a four game losing streak to today’s game.
Their opponents TCU was going in the opposite direction, winning their last four battles to all but secure an NCAA Tournament invite on Selection Sunday. This game may not had bubble implications, but the Red Raiders really needed something positive to go their way before the upcoming conference tournament.
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The good news started early, with the return of Evans, as well as another senior coming back into the starting lineup. Zach Smith was the team’s second leading scorer a year ago, but has been injured all year-long. But his arrival has given Chris Beard another veteran to lead the team, as well as another offensive option.
In the game against the Horned Frogs, Evans looked like normal, scoring 23 points and more important, getting to the free throw line. Another benefit of Texas Tech getting healthy is that the freshmen duo of Zhaire Smith and Jarrett Culver can return to the bench, and provide even more depth for this team.
They were down at the half, but came back to take the lead late, before hanging on to win, 79-75. The win may not mean much on paper (although it won’t hurt when it comes to seeding), it puts this team in a much better mindset than they would have had they lost five in a row.
With Kansas getting blown out to Oklahoma State, it feels like any team can win this conference tournament. And with a number of quality wins up for grabs, it can be huge for the winner. Now that Texas Tech has all their horses back, look for the Red Raiders to make a serious play come Championship Week.