Texas Tech pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in NCAA tournament history on Thursday night, overcoming a 16-point second-half deficit to defeat Arkansas 85-83 in an overtime thriller. The victory secured the Red Raiders a spot in the Elite Eight, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward another Final Four appearance.
Williams Rises to the Occasion
For much of the game, Texas Tech’s Darrion Williams struggled with his shooting, missing 13 of his first 15 attempts. But when the game was on the line, he delivered in the most clutch moments. Williams hit a game-tying three-pointer with just 9.7 seconds remaining in regulation, then sealed the victory in overtime by scoring the go-ahead basket with 7.3 seconds left.
“The heart of the team is Darrion Williams, and he’s just a resilient guy,” said Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland. “I put faith in him because I truly believe he’ll do whatever it takes to win. He proved that tonight.”
A Historic Comeback
The Red Raiders (28-8) found themselves trailing by 13 points with less than five minutes remaining against the 10th-seeded Razorbacks (22-14). Arkansas had been in control for nearly the entire game, holding a lead for 38 minutes and 53 seconds. Texas Tech, in contrast, led for only 3 minutes and 20 seconds.
Christian Anderson, who played a pivotal role in the comeback, reflected on the team’s mindset. “Coach kept telling us, ‘We’re going to find a way to win this,’” Anderson said. “We knew we couldn’t let the season end like this. We had to fight until the final buzzer.”
With a furious 16-3 run in the closing moments of regulation, Texas Tech clawed their way back. Anderson drained three critical three-pointers while Williams contributed key baskets to fuel the rally. Williams’ biggest shot of the night came after Arkansas’ Jonas Aidoo missed the front end of a one-and-one, allowing Texas Tech to get another possession. Williams, despite struggling all night, confidently stepped up and knocked down the three-pointer that forced overtime.
Overtime Battle and Final Heroics
The momentum carried into overtime, where JT Toppin immediately scored to give Texas Tech their first lead since the opening minutes. The game remained a back-and-forth battle, with Arkansas’ D.J. Wagner tying the game with 34 seconds left.
Then, with the game hanging in the balance, Williams powered through the Razorbacks’ defense to score the go-ahead basket. Wagner had a final chance to tie the game, but his last-second shot hit the front rim, triggering a wild celebration from the Red Raiders.
“If we would’ve just rolled over and let them beat us by 30, our season would’ve been over,” Williams said. “None of us wanted that.”
Arkansas’ Painful Exit
The loss marked the largest blown lead in an NCAA tournament game for head coach John Calipari, who fell short of becoming the first coach to lead four different teams to the Elite Eight. Arkansas had a commanding lead throughout the game, but they simply couldn’t withstand Texas Tech’s relentless comeback.
“We’re all disappointed,” Calipari said. “But I told my team that nothing they could do would ever disappoint me. I’m proud of what they accomplished this season.”
Looking Ahead
Texas Tech now advances to face top-seeded Florida in the West Region final, with a chance to reach their second Final Four in school history. The Red Raiders’ last Final Four appearance came in 2019 when they advanced to the championship game but fell to Virginia.
With their resilience and never-give-up mentality, Texas Tech has proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in this year’s March Madness.
FAQs
1. How big was Texas Tech’s comeback against Arkansas?
Texas Tech’s comeback from 16 points down in the second half was the second-largest in Sweet 16 history, making it one of the most remarkable comebacks in NCAA tournament history.
2. How did Darrion Williams impact the game despite struggling early?
Williams missed 13 of his first 15 shots but came through in clutch moments, hitting a game-tying three-pointer in regulation and scoring the go-ahead basket in overtime.
3. What does this win mean for Texas Tech?
This victory sends Texas Tech to the Elite Eight, giving them a chance to reach the Final Four for the second time in school history. They will face top-seeded Florida in the regional final.
4. How did Arkansas lose despite leading for most of the game?
Arkansas controlled the game for nearly 39 minutes but struggled to close it out. Texas Tech’s 16-3 run in the final minutes of regulation, combined with clutch shots from Anderson and Williams, led to the stunning comeback.
5. What was John Calipari’s reaction to the loss?
Coach Calipari expressed disappointment but also pride in his team’s effort. The loss marked the largest lead an Arkansas team under Calipari has ever blown in the NCAA tournament.
