Texas Tech Edges Wake Forest in Baha Mar Championship Thriller

NASSAU, Bahamas — No. 15 Texas Tech held off Wake Forest 84-83 in a nail-biting game at the Baha Mar Championship on Thursday night. JT Toppin led Texas Tech with 21 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

The Red Raiders started strong, making three consecutive 3-point shots. However, Wake Forest’s defense tightened, limiting Texas Tech to only two successful 3-pointers for the remainder of the first half. Despite trailing, Wake Forest managed to go on a 10-0 run, finishing the first half just one point behind.

Wake Forest took its first lead of the game shortly after the second half began. Juke Harris quickly became a key player for the Demon Deacons, scoring 23 of his 26 points in the second half as they surged to a 13-5 run.

Texas Tech tied the game at 76-76 with 2:08 left on the clock, and Christian Anderson hit a crucial mid-range jumper to put the Red Raiders ahead 78-76. Free throws in the final minutes helped Texas Tech secure their position.

Wake Forest entered the game with a strong 3-point defense ranking but struggled against Texas Tech’s shooting, finishing the game with 12 successful shots from beyond the arc. The Demon Deacons, despite a valiant effort with standout performances from Harris and Myles Colvin, could not capitalize on their chances, making it a disappointing eighth consecutive loss against ranked opponents.

Texas Tech advances to face No. 1 Purdue in the championship game, while Wake Forest will take on Memphis in the consolation game.