Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Texas Tech Advances to Elite Eight with Overtime Thriller Against Arkansas in NCAA Tournament
SAN FRANCISCO — In a dramatic NCAA Tournament matchup, Darrion Williams emerged as the hero for Texas Tech, sinking the decisive basket with just 7.3 seconds remaining in overtime. Earlier, he had forced the extra period with a clutch three-pointer in the final moments of regulation. His heroics propelled Texas Tech to a thrilling 85-83 victory over Arkansas on Thursday night, securing the Red Raiders’ place in the Elite Eight.
This captivating contest, the first overtime game of this year’s March Madness tournament, unfolded after a remarkable comeback by the third-seeded Texas Tech Red Raiders (28-8). They rallied from a 16-point deficit in the second half against the tenth-seeded Arkansas Razorbacks (22-14), coached by John Calipari.
Texas Tech now progresses to the West Region final where they will face top-seeded Florida on Saturday. The Red Raiders are one win away from their second Final Four appearance in program history, seeking to return after their championship game loss to Virginia in 2019.
Razorbacks Control Early Play
For much of the game, a Red Raider victory seemed improbable as Arkansas established an early double-digit advantage and maintained control throughout. Johnell Davis’ layup with under five minutes left in regulation extended the Razorbacks’ lead to a seemingly comfortable 13 points.
Red Raiders’ Furious Comeback
However, fueled by resilience, Texas Tech mounted an impressive 16-3 surge to close regulation. Christian Anderson ignited the comeback with three crucial three-pointers, while Williams contributed three vital baskets. The most critical shot came when Williams’ three-pointer rattled in with only 9.7 seconds left, moments after Jonas Aidoo missed the front end of a one-and-one free throw opportunity for Arkansas.
Overtime Nail-Biter
JT Toppin initiated overtime by scoring, granting Texas Tech their first lead since the opening minutes of the game. The lead then exchanged hands in a tense back-and-forth battle. D.J. Wagner tied the score for Arkansas with 34 seconds remaining, setting the stage for the final dramatic moments.
Williams, displaying composure under pressure, then scored in the paint, reclaiming the lead for Texas Tech. Wagner’s subsequent shot unfortunately hit the front rim, sealing the victory for the Red Raiders. A jubilant Texas Tech team erupted in celebration at center court, as Williams acknowledged the crowd, including friends and family who traveled from Sacramento for the game.
A visibly disappointed Calipari could only exit the court with a sigh, his first season as Arkansas’ coach ending in a heartbreaking defeat. He narrowly missed the distinction of becoming the first coach to lead four different schools to the Elite Eight.
Key Performances
Anderson led Texas Tech in scoring with 22 points, while Toppin and Williams each contributed 20 points in the winning effort.
For Arkansas, Davis delivered a game-high 30 points, and Karter Knox added 20 points in the losing effort.
McMillian’s Absence
Key Player Sidelined
Texas Tech once again played without a significant contributor as their premier outside shooter, Chance McMillian, missed his fourth consecutive game due to an oblique injury. McMillian, who grew up in San Francisco, had hoped to participate in his homecoming game but was declared unavailable before the game commenced.
Arkansas received a boost with the return of forward Adou Thiero, who played for the first time since suffering a left knee injury on February 22nd. Thiero saw five minutes of action in his return.