Texas Tech pulled off an incredible comeback to defeat Arkansas 85-83 in overtime, overcoming a 16-point deficit in the second half. One of the tournament’s most jaw-dropping comebacks, the Red Raiders’ tenacity and resolve earned them an exciting victory and a well-deserved place in the Elite Eight.
Texas Tech’s Shocking Show of Audacity
For 34 minutes, Texas Tech seemed to be on its way out of the Sweet 16. Down by 16 with just 10 minutes remaining, the third-seeded Red Raiders appeared to be heading for an early exit. However, in one of the most unbelievable comebacks in NCAA Tournament history, Texas Tech went into overdrive, tying the game and eventually defeating Arkansas 85-83 in overtime, sending the No. 10 Razorbacks packing.
This marked the second-largest comeback in Sweet 16 history for Texas Tech, propelling them into their first Elite Eight since 2019, when they made their historic Final Four run.
Arkansas Comes Out Hot
Arkansas started strong with an impressive three-point effort, completely defying their struggles throughout the season. The Razorbacks, ranked 265th in Division I three-point shooting (32.4%), began their attack by hitting seven of their first 14 three-point attempts in the first half, shooting an impressive 50%.
This was a stark contrast to their Round of 32 win over St. John’s, where they shot just 2-for-19 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Texas Tech, known for its strong perimeter shooting, struggled to connect, hitting only 3-of-18 attempts (18.8%) in the first half.
This cold shooting led to a damaging 15-2 run by Arkansas, which gave them a 13-point lead by halftime. Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland praised the intense battle in his postgame comments.
Texas Tech Falls Deeper Into a Hole
Though Arkansas’ shooting cooled off in the second half, they stuck to their game plan of attacking close to the basket. Texas Tech’s offense stalled, allowing Arkansas to extend its lead to 16 points early in the second half.
With six minutes left, Texas Tech found itself down by 13 points, facing its final opportunity to turn the game around—and they seized it.
The Rally Begins
The Red Raiders’ offense finally woke up. The shooting struggles that plagued them throughout the game suddenly turned around. Darrion Williams hit a key shot, tying the game at 16-3 in the final seconds before overtime began.
Christian Anderson emphasized the team’s determination, saying, “Despite the odds, we kept pushing forward. Coach believed in us, and we believed in ourselves.”
Overtime Heroics
In overtime, Texas Tech took control, maintaining their momentum from the regulation rally. Sacramento native Darrion Williams sealed the game with a winning basket seven seconds before the buzzer.
Arkansas had one final chance to respond, but Texas Tech’s defense blocked the shot, securing the 85-83 victory.
Streaks End, Dreams Persist
The loss ended a remarkable streak for Arkansas head coach John Calipari, who had previously been 35-0 in NCAA Tournament games when leading by six or more points at halftime. Texas Tech became the first team to come from behind against Calipari after a halftime deficit in March Madness.
“Texas Tech deserves to win,” Calipari said. “They made the plays at the end that allowed them to win.”
The victory sets up a matchup with top-seeded Florida on Saturday in the Elite Eight, with the chance to make the second Final Four appearance in school history. Down by 16 points, the Red Raiders proved that in March Madness, no lead is ever safe.
