Texas Tech Faces Arkansas in Sweet 16 Showdown Amid Coach’s Excitement

DALLAS — Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland woke up around 5:30 a.m. PST to discuss his team’s upcoming Sweet 16 matchup against the Arkansas Razorbacks during an appearance on “The Morning Musers” at The Ticket in Dallas. As the Red Raiders prepare for this pivotal game, McCasland reflected on the team’s journey to this point.

“Our guys are excited to be here and play a tremendous opponent in Arkansas, and I know Coach (John) Calipari has the Razorbacks playing great basketball,” McCasland said. “We know we’re gonna have to play our best in order to put ourselves in a position to win.” Texas Tech, seeded third, enters the matchup with a record of 27-8, aiming to reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019.

McCasland praised his team’s progress throughout the season, noting that they have played some of the best offense in 30 years of Tech basketball, scoring the most points in program history. While happy with their offensive performance, he emphasized the importance of defense, especially in the competitive Big 12 conference. Texas Tech recorded the most road wins in school history in the Big 12.

The Razorbacks, the tenth seed with a 22-13 record, upset two higher seeds — No. 7 Kansas and No. 2 St. John’s — to reach the Sweet 16. Calipari’s squad, facing a significant challenge, is known for their dynamic defensive play, leading the nation in blocks with an average of 5.7 per game.

Both teams will need to draw on their strengths as McCasland noted, “This game will be a defensive battle,” anticipating the Razorbacks’ defensive efficiency could lead to a low-scoring affair. The previous confrontation between the two teams ended with Arkansas defeating Texas Tech 68-66 in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

Amidst the build-up, the availability of Tech super-senior guard Chance McMillian remains uncertain due to a strained oblique. Although McMillian has been sidelined since March 14, he expressed optimism about his return, stating, “I’m getting better day by day… my goal is to play.”

Arkansas also faces injury challenges, particularly with junior forward Adou Thiero, who has not played since February 22. Calipari confirmed Thiero’s status as game-time decision, highlighting the determination of both teams as they adapt to their circumstances. “They’ve found a way to get better and play great and win despite their obvious difficulty with injuries,” said McCasland, praising the Razorbacks’ resilience.

As the tournament progresses, players like Tech junior forward Darrion Williams, who scored 28 points against Drake recently, are motivated by last year’s disappointing exit. “It’s nice, but we didn’t come here to make the Sweet 16. We came here to win it,” Williams asserted confidently.

Thursday night’s matchup will be broadcasted on TBS, Max, and the Texas Tech Sports Network, providing fans with multiple viewing options for this critical game.