Razorbacks Face Texas Tech in March Madness Sweet 16 Showdown

SAN FRANCISCO, California – The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament continues with a pivotal Sweet 16 matchup on Thursday, March 27, as the 10th-seeded Arkansas Razorbacks take on the 3rd-seeded Texas Tech Red Raiders at the Chase Center. The game is set to begin at 10:09 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast on various streaming services.

Fans can watch the game live through platforms such as DirecTV Stream, SlingTV, and MAX. DirecTV Stream offers a variety of channels but excludes a remote and streaming device, while SlingTV starts as low as $20 for the first month. MAX combines HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery channels, providing extensive sports coverage including NCAA games.

Arkansas enters the Sweet 16 following an impressive upset over 2nd-seeded St. John’s, securing a 75-66 victory. The Razorbacks had previously defeated 7th-seeded Kansas, showcasing their strength as a double-digit seed. Coach John Calipari remarked, “I’m kind of back to the roots of being the underdog,” highlighting a shift in strategy as he embraces his new role with Arkansas.

Meanwhile, Texas Tech is also coming off two significant wins over 14th-seeded UNC Wilmington and 11th-seeded Drake, making this their third encounter with a double-digit seed in the tournament. As Calipari prepares his team for battle against a disciplined Texas Tech squad, the competition appears fierce.

Calipari’s approach to recruiting and team building has evolved since his time at Kentucky, where he cultivated high school talent to considerable success. However, the influx of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money and the transfer portal’s influence have forced coaches to reconsider their strategies. “I’m not changing how I do things,” Calipari stated, pointing towards his commitment to bringing in top talent and developing them.

Rick Pitino, St. John’s coach and longtime rival of Calipari, now focuses on transfers to build his program, stating, “I probably wouldn’t take [high school players] because I don’t think you can win and win big with high school kids.” Pitino’s change in philosophy illustrates the shift across college basketball as programs seek to remain competitive.

As both teams gear up for their Sweet 16 clash, the insights from coaches like Calipari and Pitino reflect the dynamic changes in college basketball. Purdue coach Matt Painter echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the mix of young talent and veteran transfers as his team heads into this crucial phase of the tournament.

The matchup between Arkansas and Texas Tech not only signifies a battle of skill but also represents the diverse strategies employed by coaches in the evolving landscape of college basketball during March Madness.