Texas Tech Red Raiders fans, you’re facing Montana State Bobcats in NCAA Tournament
When Chris Beard bolted Texas Tech for Texas, most thought the Red Raiders’ basketball program would take a step back. After all, Beard guided the Red Raiders to a runner-up finish in the 2019 NCAA Tournament.
But longtime assistant Mark Adams has made a seamless transition and most project Tech to fare better in the tournament than Beard’s squad at UT. The Red Raiders (25-9) are arguably the best defensive team, which should keep them in every game and make them a tough out throughout the tournament.
Tech has become a staple in March Madness recently, reaching the Elite Eight in 2018 and 2019 (when it went to the championship game). The Red Raiders are coming off a runner-up finish in the Big 12 Tournament, knocking off Iowa State and Oklahoma before falling to Kansas in the title game.
The Montana State Bobcats (27-7, 16-4 Big Sky) won their conference tournament on March 11, defeating Weber State, 69-66. They will be appearing in their fourth NCAA Tournament in school history and first since 1996.
#3 Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. #14 Montana State Bobcats
Friday, March 18, 12:45 p.m., TNT
West Region, San Diego
What to look for: No opposing coach will be thrilled if Texas Tech is in the region. The Red Raiders are holding teams to 60.1 points per game. They also have offensive threats with versatile big man Bryson Williams and guard Terrence Shannon Jr. leading the way.
Tech is an elite rebounding team, too, averaging plus-6.8 rebounds per game. Again, everything a team wants to do well going into March Madness, Tech does well. The Red Raiders may be the Big 12’s best bet for a Final Four team.
Why Texas Tech will advance: This is one of the more complete teams going into the tournament and is coming off a successful showing in the Big 12 tournament. The Red Raiders have all the pieces in place to make some noise, especially with talents such as Williams and Shannon poised for breakout games on any given day.
Why Texas Tech will be one and done: For as many things as Tech does well, it has played closer than expected games at times. And all of its losses have come on the road. If a team gets hot from 3-point range, the Red Raiders could be in for a little bit of a scare but they seem like a safe bet to avoid an early exit.
Expert speak: “I think Texas Tech is one of the three best teams in the Big 12. I think they’re the best defensive team in the country and I trust defense in the tournament when you’re trying to win six straight games. If they made the Final Four, I would not be surprised.” – ESPN college basketball analyst Chris Spatola
This story was originally published March 13, 2022 at 7:32 PM.
