The Texas Tech Red Raiders looked like they were going to be the first top-seed to fall in the NCAA Tournament, but a late rally gave them a 70-60 win over the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks on Thursday, March 15 in the Round of 64. Although things were dicey for a while, Texas Tech nearly pulled off what would have been the miracle cover of the tournament thus far. The Red Raiders trailed for over 30 minutes of game time, yet fell just short of covering as an 11-point favorite. The game ended up going under the total of 137.
Texas Tech will now face the winner of Florida and St. Bonaventure in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 17. The betting odds for that showdown will be released soon by BetDSI Sportsbook, but Texas Tech will be a favorite one way or the other. The Red Raiders will likely be a two- or three-point favorite against the Gators, and would be around a 10-point favorite over the Bonnies.
This was Texas Tech’s first NCAA Tournament win in 13 years. The Red Raiders have had one of their best seasons in school history, but nearly got bounced by a Lumberjacks side that was more than ready to shock the world.
In the end, guard Keenan Evans came up clutch for Texas Tech. The senior went 6-10 from the floor and was a perfect 10-10 from the free throw line to lead all scorers with 23 points. His performance at the line was huge, as his teammates struggled to convert, hitting just 6-14 on the evening. Texas Tech’s height was a factor too, with the Red Raiders outrebounding the Lumberjacks 41-31.
Prior to the opening game of the NCAA Tournament, Texas Tech was +4500 to cut down the nets in San Antonio at BetDSI. Potential opponents Florida and St. Bonaventure had much longer odds. The Gators were +12000 according to the oddsmakers, and the Bonnies were a whopping +50000.
