NCAA Basketball: North Carolina, Kentucky, Auburn rise in latest top 25 power rankings
By Joey Loose
25. Texas Tech (22-9)
Ranked earlier in the season during a hot streak, Texas Tech hit a lull during Big 12 play but are playing better basketball the last few weeks. It’s pretty hard to survive a week of action in this league. The Red Raiders not only did that again, but secured themselves the coveted double-bye in the Big 12 Tournament with brilliant play in this past week.
The week started with a second-straight road win, as the Red Raiders led big at the half en route to a 75-58 victory at Oklahoma State. Pop Isaacs scored 19 while Darrion Williams had 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 steals. Saturday’s fanfare was even more impressive, as Texas Tech secured an important 78-68 win over Baylor in their final home game of the season. The same stars were on display, as Isaacs had 20 points and Williams added 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Texas Tech showed their potential in a 29-point win over Kansas nearly a month ago and is now playing that same type of basketball again. At their best, the Red Raiders can hang with just about anybody in the Big 12 and it’ll be interesting to see how they fare in the conference tournament next week. Beyond that, the Red Raiders should be comfortable on Selection Sunday, especially after delivering against the Bears.