Texas Tech secured a hard-fought 73-71 victory over Colorado at the CU Events Center, thanks in large part to a strong first-half performance. The Red Raiders dominated the opening period, taking a 43-27 lead into halftime. Colorado, however, refused to back down, mounting a fierce comeback in the second half. The Buffaloes outscored Texas Tech 44-30 in the final 20 minutes, but ultimately fell just short.
Isaiah Johnson led the charge for Colorado, scoring 21 points to pace the Buffaloes. His efforts were complemented by Barrington Hargress, who added 17 points, and Sebastian Rancik, who chipped in 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Despite these strong individual performances, Colorado was unable to overcome its slow start.
On the other side, Donovan Atwell sparked Texas Tech with 17 points, while JT Toppin recorded a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Christian Anderson also made significant contributions, scoring 15 points to help the Red Raiders hold off the Buffaloes' late surge. Texas Tech's ability to balance its scoring and rebounding proved crucial in the win.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that Texas Tech's first-half performance would be difficult for Colorado to overcome. The Red Raiders' 16-point halftime lead seemed insurmountable, but the Buffaloes' second-half rally made for a thrilling finish. In the end, Texas Tech's early advantage proved just enough to secure the victory.
This result has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Colorado, the loss represents a missed opportunity to secure a high-quality win, as this game was classified as a Quadrant 1 contest. The Buffaloes must regroup and focus on their upcoming schedule to bolster their chances of making the NCAA Tournament. On the other hand, Texas Tech's win, although categorized as a Quadrant 2 victory, still strengthens the Red Raiders' already impressive resume. With a current net ranking of 17, Texas Tech appears well-positioned to make a deep postseason run.
The outcome of this game underscores the competitive balance in college basketball, where even a strong performance like Colorado's can fall just short. As the season progresses, both teams want to build on this experience, with Texas Tech aiming to maintain its momentum and Colorado seeking to bounce back from a tough defeat. The Red Raiders' victory serves as a reflection of their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, which will undoubtedly be essential in their pursuit of tournament success.