Top Teams Clash in Baha Mar Championship: Purdue vs. Texas Tech

Nassau, Bahamas — The top-ranked Purdue Boilermakers face off against the 15th-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders on Friday night in the Baha Mar Championship game. This highly anticipated matchup features two teams who have shown resilience and skill throughout the tournament.

Purdue (5-0) secured a spot in the championship by overcoming Memphis in the semifinals, winning 80-71. The game was close, with Purdue trailing with less than six minutes remaining. Coach Matt Painter noted, “Very fortunate to learn a hard lesson and still win the game,” emphasizing the need for his team to focus on composure.

Texas Tech (4-1) also fought hard in their semifinal, edging out Wake Forest 84-83. Junior forward JT Toppin led the Red Raiders with 21 points, showcasing their competitive spirit. Coach Grant McCasland praised Purdue, stating, “They just really don’t have any weaknesses,” and emphasized the importance of their team’s competitive fight.

The championship game, set for 9:30 p.m. ET and broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, promises to be a shootout. Purdue boasts the number one offense in adjusted efficiency, while Texas Tech ranks twelfth. Both teams have struggled defensively at times, potentially leading to a high-scoring affair, with an over/under set at 153.5 by Vegas.

Purdue’s Braden Smith will be a player to watch, though he struggled in the semifinal, finishing with only five points. His coach expressed hope for a more confident performance. Meanwhile, Texas Tech’s scoring this season has been heavily reliant on 3-pointers, with 41.2% of their offense coming from beyond the arc.

As both teams prepare for this important clash, they will rely on their star players and depth to secure a victory. Fans eagerly await a thrilling championship matchup that could define their seasons.