Texas Tech Men’s Basketball Eyes First Big 12 Championship Amid Stellar Season

LUBBOCK, Texas – The No. 9 ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders are experiencing a remarkable season as they head into the 2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship, boasting a program-best second seed for the third time in history. With a record of 24-7 and 15-5 in the Big 12, the Red Raiders aim for their first Big 12 Championship after finishing their regular season with a significant 28-point victory over Arizona State.

Texas Tech surged through the second half of the game against Arizona State, entering halftime with a modest four-point lead before dominating the final period to secure their ninth conference double-digit victory. Coach McCasland emphasized the strong camaraderie among his players as a crucial element to the team’s success, stating, “A lot of people want to talk about what these guys do on the court, but one of the most underrated parts of college basketball is that these guys really enjoy being around each other every day.”

The Red Raiders earned a double-bye and will open tournament play against either Arizona State, Kansas State, or Baylor on Thursday at 6 p.m. CDT at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Having been picked seventh in the preseason poll, the Red Raiders are poised for a strong showing, hoping to improve upon past finishes as the second seed in the 2018 and 2019 tournaments.

Currently ranked No. 9 by the Associated Press and USA Today Sports Coaches Poll, Texas Tech completed the regular season leading the Big 12 with a 1.65 assist-to-turnover ratio. Additionally, they ranked second in 3-point shooting percentage at 37.8 percent, making 10.1 3-pointers per game.

Star player Toppin bolstered his stats significantly, concluding the regular season with an impressive average of 18.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. He logged his 14th double-double of the season against Arizona State, recording 25 points and 11 rebounds. Fellow teammates McMillian and Williams have also been stellar, averaging 14.7 and 14.3 points, respectively.

In NCAA tournament history, Texas Tech has a rich legacy, appearing in 20 tournaments and reaching the Elite 8 in 2018, the NCAA Championship Final in 2019, and the Sweet 16 in 2022. They have also experienced ups and downs in past tournaments, including their appearance in the finals against Kansas in 2022 where they narrowly missed clinching their first championship.

The Red Raiders are now preparing for their 28th Big 12 Championship, with a 17-27 all-time record in the tournament. Last year, they advanced to the semifinals as the fourth seed, marking a solid performance despite eventual defeat to Houston.

As they head into the postseason, Texas Tech is focused on not only continuing their winning streak but also surpassing expectations set for the team early in the season. The upcoming days will be crucial as they aim not just for individual accolades but for that elusive Big 12 Championship title.