This March history was made in Lubbock. It’s the beginning of something big.
Last week, Texas Tech men’s basketball team accomplished something the school had never done–advance to the Elite 8. To get there, the Red Raiders took down Purdue, 78-65.
The Red Raiders achieved greatness this year through hard work mixed with solid players and a great coaching staff.
When coach Tubby Smith left Texas Tech, Chris Beard was hired to take his place. No stranger to Lubbock, Beard spent 10 years as an assistant under Bob Knight and, later, his son Pat Knight.
Courtesy: Houston Chronicle
As great as Knight was–132-82 at Texas Tech, the winningest men’s basketball coach in school history–he never advanced the Raiders beyond the Sweet 16.
This year was different. Tech was seeded #3 in its bracket and faced Stephen F. Austin in the first round. Tech won, 70-60. In the second round, the Raiders faced the always-tough Gators from the University of Florida. In a hard-fought game, Tech won, 69-66. After vanquishing Purdue, Tech advanced to the rarified air of the Elite 8.
Villanova stood in the way of a Final Four berth. But the Wildcats, not Raiders, would advance. Villanova blew open a close game in the second half, winning by twelve, 71-59.
Despite the loss, everybody associated with Texas Tech is proud of what this team has accomplished. And fans should expect more excitement in the years to come.
Congratulations, Chris Beard and the Texas Tech University Red Raiders!
