Texas Tech was left for dead just two weeks ago after losing for the seventh time in eight games, but coach Tubby Smith’s team has given itself new life.
The Red Raiders now in prime position not only to see post season play, but make the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2007!
Now, three different media outlets project the Red Raiders as a tournament team, USA Today as high as a 7 seed, CBS an 8, and ESPN a 12.
After the game I asked coach Smith just what this win does for their tournament chances as a resume builder, against a team, that remember was the number one team in the land for several weeks this season.
“We’ve played a very competitive schedule, probably one of the top five toughest schedules in the country. I told our players that you can’t wish it. You can’t hope on selection Sunday. You’ve got to make it happen,” Texas Tech head men’s basketball coach Tubby Smith said. “And the only way that you can make it happen is to win the day. You know, win the practice and if you win in practice you will probably win in the game. So we’ve tried to take that approach and taking it one game and one day at a time.”
Now the Big 12 for the third straight year is the nation’s top RPI conference, and last year they sent a record seven teams to the tourney.
But the Red Raiders are not a lock as it sits now. The last two teams in for the Big 12 last season were Oklahoma State and Texas who both reached 8-10 in conference, and that seems to the consensus magic number.
So with five games left in league play, the Red Raiders need to find two more wins.
The good news though, is they have two more home games against Kansas State and TCU in which they will be favored.
If the last three games are any indication, they are well on their way to sealing a spot in the Big Dance.
Click on the video provided above to watch!
