In a shocking turn of events, Texas Tech handed Brigham Young a 13-point defeat, 84-71, at the United Supermarkets Arena. This upset victory is a monumental win for the Red Raiders, as they took down the No. 12-ranked Cougars in convincing fashion. The loss is a significant setback for BYU, which came into the game with a 17-3 record and a No. 12 ranking in the national polls.
The game was closely contested in the first half, with Texas Tech holding a slim 32-31 lead at the break. However, the Red Raiders came out on fire in the second half, outscoring BYU 52-40 to pull away for the win. JT Toppin was the catalyst for Texas Tech's victory, scoring 27 points and grabbing 13 rebounds to lead the team. Christian Anderson and LeJuan Watts also made significant contributions, scoring 22 and 20 points, respectively.
Despite the loss, Robert Wright III had a standout performance for BYU, scoring 28 points and pulling down 5 rebounds. Richie Saunders added 18 points, and AJ Dybantsa chipped in with 13 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Red Raiders' balanced attack.
The significance of this upset cannot be overstated. Texas Tech, ranked No. 17 in the national polls, has now bolstered its resume with a Quadrant 1 win over a top-15 opponent. This victory will undoubtedly give the Red Raiders a boost in the eyes of the selection committee, as they continue to make a push for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
For BYU, the loss is a setback, but not a devastating one. The Cougars still boast a strong 17-3 record and a No. 12 ranking, and this game was also considered a Quadrant 1 contest. However, they must regroup and refocus as they move forward, as this loss may have implications for their seeding in the tournament.
Without a pre-game prediction to reference, it's clear that Texas Tech exceeded expectations with this win. The Red Raiders' ability to take down a top-ranked opponent on their home court is a reflection of their strength and resilience. As the season wears on, this victory will likely be a key factor in Texas Tech's tournament chances.
The resume implications of this result are clear: Texas Tech has significantly improved its chances of making the NCAA Tournament with this Quadrant 1 win. The Red Raiders' victory over BYU will be a marquee win on their resume, and it will undoubtedly give them a boost in the eyes of the selection committee. Meanwhile, BYU must regroup and focus on its upcoming games to ensure that this loss doesn't have a lasting impact on its tournament seeding.