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Pro Soccer in Austin

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in SOCCER.

AUSTIN — Professional soccer arrived in the city of Austin with all the necessary pieces in place to make the sport a smashing success.

The United Soccer League’s newest expansion franchise — Austin Bold FC — began this season with a beautiful 5,000-plus seat stadium built at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) and even had an instant rivalry ready to go with nearby San Antonio FC. 

Austin also opened its inaugural season with plenty of rabid fans, which witnessed the first win in club history in Bold FC’s sold-out home opener against San Antonio on March 30. The lone goal of the 1-0 triumph was scored by Kleber off an assist by defender Sean McFarlane.

Just like that, Austin Bold claimed the opening leg of the Central Texas Derby — a series between Austin and San Antonio that will continue throughout the season. In addition to that prize, the Copa Tejas will be up for grabs for the top USL team in the Lone Star State — a field that also includes both El Paso Locomotive and Rio Grande Valley FC.

Austin Bold head coach Marcelo Serrano has already said he enjoys having such emotionally-charged matches on the schedule.

“When you have a derby [rivalry] situation, one team doesn’t live without the other,” Serrano said. “It’s like a brotherhood because one team pushes the other to become the best.”

Serrano has assembled a diverse roster of international players that includes Brazilian forward Kleber, who tallied the first goal in franchise history in a 2-1 loss on the road to Reno 1868 FC. 

Also present is team captain and midfielder Dario Conca, an Argentinian who was named Footballer of the Year in the Brazilian first division in 2010 and Chinese Super League in 2013.

In all, Austin Bold’s initial roster features players of 14 different nationalities, many of which have worldwide pedigrees. Austin’s recent performance has drawn praise from around the USL, including from San Antonio FC head coach Darren Powell.

“They have an extremely talented group of players,” Powell said. “Several have played at a very high level.”

Bobby Epstein, who owns Austin Bold and COTA, was thrilled to see his team capture a victory over San Antonio in its very first home match, which was also the first professional soccer match played in Austin since the Aztex folded three years ago.

Serrano said it was a fitting start to an I-35 rivalry that will hopefully last for years to come.

“You can see that they made our victory very hard,” Serrano said. “They came for a derby game — they didn’t give us any options.” 

The USL is directly below Major League Soccer in the United States and is a 36-team league divided equally into two conferences. SAFC and Austin Bold are both in the Western Conference alongside the other two Texas teams.

All USL clubs play a 34-game regular season schedule, both home and away against the other 17 teams in their conference, stretching from March to October. Playoffs follow for the 10 teams from each conference that qualify, with the USL Championship match taking place sometime between Nov. 10-14.

Texas has options to replace Lil’Jordan Humphrey in slot

Written by Cody Daniels on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS, UT FOOTBALL.

Lil’Jordan Humphrey wasn’t exactly expected to become a generational talent at Texas, though that’s essentially what he ultimately evolved into. In 2016, Humphrey stepped foot on the Forty Acres hardly ranked within the top 400 in his class. In 2018, Humphrey capped his tenure at Texas with 86 receptions for 1,176 yards, ranking as the fifth- and third-best single-season efforts in school history, respectively.

Humphrey rewarded himself accordingly, announcing his departure for the NFL after three seasons in Austin, which, in turn, leaves the Longhorns looking elsewhere in hopes of replacing even a notable portion of Humphrey’s substantial productivity.

Save for a considerable surprise, no single player is going to match Humphrey’s 2018 campaign in the slot. Rather, we’re almost certain to see contributions by committee and to that end, Texas isn’t without top-tier talent at slot receiver, albeit raw, tremendously inexperienced talent.

On paper, Texas will present one former high school All-American after another, but of the options the Longhorns are expected to have on hand, only one has semi-notable collegiate experience in the slot — Joshua Moore.

A former top 100 talent out of Yoakum, Moore saw action in six games last season before missing the Baylor game due to illness, and ultimately, suffering a shoulder sprain in practice that sidelined Moore for the remainder of his freshman season. Prior to that point, Moore hauled in just seven receptions for 53 yards and one score, but he boasts that kind of blazing speed and open-field shiftiness that’s typically preferred in the slot, which has helped him maintain the starting role throughout the spring.

As we learned last season, though, that speed isn’t an absolute requirement for the Longhorns, in particular, so the experience edge Moore owns may be his biggest benefit over an option such as early enrollee Bru McCoy.

The top-ranked athlete in the 2019 class, per the 247Sports Composite, and the recipient of prestigious honors such as the Maxwell Award and the MaxPreps National Player of the Year, McCoy originally inked his NLI with USC in early January, only to transfer to Texas weeks later in the aftermath of the tremendously short-lived Kliff Kingsbury era in Los Angeles. In doing so, McCoy suddenly provided Texas with a seemingly ideal replacement for the hybrid slot the Horns had in Humphrey last season, which is exactly the pitch Texas put forth throughout the recruiting process.

“That’s what we talked to him about (during the process), what role you can fill for us,” Texas receivers coach Drew Mehringer told 247Sports Steve Wiltfong. “They’re similar body types, LJ is a little taller, Bru a little faster, similar skill sets and I was like oh my god, LJ is in the draft I got a great role for you.”

Though the 6’3, 215-pound McCoy doesn’t fit the mold of your stereotypical slot on paper, the same could have been said of Humphrey — Texas simply found a role for him to ensure one of their top talents was on the field. As Texas aims to fill the void Humphrey left behind, expect the Longhorns to look to do much of the same with McCoy, who utilized his physical, yet shifty skill set to the tune of 1,428 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.

That is, of course, contingent upon McCoy’s pending eligibility appeal, as he’s technically a transfer and would be required to sit out next season without a waiver.

Fortunately for Texas, the Horns are set to have an embarrassment of riches at slot receiver, and maybe the most ideal fit is still yet to step foot on the Forty Acres.

One of the first members of Texas’ 2019 class, Scottsdale (Az.) Notre Dame Preparatory receiver Jake Smith, too, will arrive in Austin with some hardware, as the top 50 talent nationally took home honors as the Gatorade National Player of the Year. The recognition came after the four-star pass-catcher compiled 1,112 yards and 22 touchdowns through the air and another 741 yards and 15 scores out of the backfield — and Smith produced this in addition to his efforts as a punter, punt returner, kick returner, and defensive back.

“Jake Smith, the numbers speak for themselves. He’s a Gatorade National Offensive Player of the Year,” Herman said during his early signing day press conference. “He can do everything: run it, catch it, return it, play DB, I’m sure he could drive the bus to the away games if you needed him to. Multi-sport athlete. Excels at lacrosse, as well. Just excited about his versatility.”

In terms of skill set, the 6’1 Smith boasts elite burst, notable cut-and-go ability, more than his share of shiftiness in space, and the kind jaw-dropping speed that may be unparalleled by any receiver on the roster. In one word, Smith is dynamic, which is something that could prove to be an ideal complement to an otherwise largely big-bodied receiving cast featuring talents such as Collin Johnson (6’6), Malcolm Epps (6’6), Brennan Eagles (6’4), Al’Vonte Woodard (6’3), and McCoy (6’3), just to name a select few.

The issue at hand for Smith, of course, is that he’s a summer arrival aiming to vie for reps in a receiver room that will already feature the two aforementioned elite prospects in Moore and McCoy.

That said, Smith presents plenty of elite potential in his own right, providing Texas with yet another option at a position that will almost certainly see contributions by committee, as opposed to an outright feature slot as Texas has last season in Humphrey.

Horns spring game recap.

Written by Steven Ryan on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS, UT FOOTBALL.

A blustery wind hampered the passing games and aided the defenses in Texas’s annual Orange-White Spring Game at Darrel K. Royal Memorial Stadium on Saturday in Austin.


The White team, made up of Texas’s No. 1 defense and second-string offense, won the game 12-6, but the storyline was how inept the offense looked against a defense that returned far less experience from last year’s Sugar Bowl champion squad.


“I hope none of us are going to try to take anything away from any kind of offensive performance tonight,” said Texas coach Tom Herman. “(It was) not only difficult, almost impossible, to do much with the wind the way that it was. When there’s really no threat of throwing the football it’s difficult to move the ball.”


It’s often said the defense is usually ahead of the offense in the spring. Even Texas Tech’s spring games during the Mike Leach days typically played out that way. But the numbers from this one look bad, regardless, and the performance largely disappointed a big crowd that would’ve preferred an offensive firework show over a defensive slugfest.


The only touchdown came on a drive that started on the opposition’s 1, and it still took four plays to barely punch it in. The two offenses combined for just 284 yards on 105 plays for 2.7 yards per play, which certainly won’t win you any games in the Big 12.


There were eight dropped passes, five bad snaps (albeit all by backup center Rafiti Gharmai, who is new to the position), two turnovers and five sacks allowed. The offenses had less first downs (18) then they had total drives (19).


The quarterbacks combined to complete 24-of-54 passes for 152 yards. QB1 Sam Ehlinger was 9-of-21 for 66 yards with a bad interception and three sacks taken. Backup Casey Thompson was 14-of-32 for 82 yards with an interception but did add 55 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
The only skill position player who truly showed out was freshman running back Jordan Whittington, who carried the rock 12 times for 62 yards and tallied four receptions for 27 yards. It must be noted Texas’s best returning playmaker, wide receiver Collin Johnson, did not suit up.


“It’s a shame our fans didn’t get to see how well we’ve been throwing the deep ball throughout spring practice,” Herman said. “We’ve really come a long way in that regard, but that’s OK. We know the extenuating circumstances… It was even difficult to throw and catch a bubble (screen), let alone a ball down the field.”


The defense had a number of standouts, most notably linebacker Jeffrey McColloch, who intercepted an Ehlinger dump off pass to the running back and returned to the 1 to set up the lone touchdown. He also showed great hands and impeccable timing in knocking away a 4th down pass that was about to fall into running back Keaontay Ingram’s hands on a wheel route.
“Jeff’s had a really good spring,” Herman said. “I told him… last Tuesday’s practice that was as hard as I’d seen him practice from start to finish of a practice. He never took a play off. He was going hard every play. I made sure that he knew that. That that’s the expectation for him now moving forward. Every practice it’s gotta be like that and I think he took that to heart and he’s playing a lot more consistent with a lot more effort.”


The other turnover came when defensive end Pete Mgapi beat the right tackle on an outside move and forced Thompson to severely underthrow a pass that was picked off by Kobe Boyce. Cornerback Jalen Green brought some physicality to the secondary with a pair of big hits that dislodged the ball on should’ve-been completions.


“We’ve challenged Jalen to get more physical. He’s a big, long guy that’s got excellent ability. He’s really, really athletic,” Herman said. “That’s something that he needs to continue to do and I think he’s taken that to heart. I think that he really wants to improve that part of his game, and you saw a little bit of that tonight.”


Joseph Ossai, Ayodele Adeoye, Ta’Quon Graham, Mason Ramirez and Cort Jacquess each logged a sack. Adeoye, Ramirez, Marcus Tillman Jr. and Russell Hine all came away with two tackles for a loss. B.J. Foster joined Green with two pass-breakups, and Montrell Estell led all defenders in tackles with six.


“I thought it was good for our defense,” Herman said. “They had taken a few of these on the chin here lately in the previous few scrimmages so it was nice to send them into the offseason with a little bit of confidence.”
Though it may be tempting, one shouldn’t draw any grand conclusions from what took place. According to reports, the offense was actually the better half in two previous spring scrimmages that weren’t open to the public. Also, there was that pesky wind.


But that shouldn’t stop anybody from getting giddy about a secondary that may be on the verge of doing great things. During the Mack Brown days, some referred to Texas as DBU (Defensive Back University) for all the great players that went pro under the tutelage of renowned defensive backs coach Duane Akina. 


A similar mantra may be developing under current defensive backs coach Craig Naivar. The Longhorns are about to have their second straight DB taken in the NFL draft with Dashon Elliot going in the sixth round last year and Kris Boyd expected to be selected this April.
With Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (and first-team All-Big 12 safety) Caden Stearns and Big 12 Honorable Mention safety Brandon Jones (who is the team’s top returning tackler) both on the sideline on Saturday, Texas’s defensive backs still stuck to the receivers like glue. When those two re-enter the starting lineup in the fall, the Longhorn secondary could become a no-fly zone.


Texas’s 2018 season ended with a resounding Sugar Bowl win over heavily favored Georgia and Ehlinger crowing “we’re baaaaaaaaaaack” to those that stuck around for the postgame celebration.
But the standard that was set by the early 2000s Longhorn teams, the standard that fans and players alike are clamoring to get back to, was not based on any single win or single season. 
It was based on a consistent level of strong play and a culture of excellence that was repeated year after year until winning 10 games just became the norm. As Herman enters year three on the job, we’re about to find out how far along his culture really is.


“We don’t use the words ‘we’ and ‘us’ when we refer to last year’s team because that’s not us. That’s last year’s team,” Herman said. “What last year’s team did in no way shape or form is going to affect what this year’s team can do.
“The biggest thing is that when there’s material testimony, there’s material proof that our way of doing things can produce that kind of joy and those kinds of winning experiences, then guys are a lot more willing to put forth the effort necessary because they have seen in their own eyes and felt with their own hearts what the rewards of doing it that way will be.”

Hard work didn’t pay off for 4-seeded Houston entering playoffs

Written by Cody Daniels on . Posted in NBA.

At some point in life, you’ve likely heard the encouraging phrase, “Hard work pays off.” Try telling that to the Houston Rockets, though, and your positive preaching will fall on deaf ears. The hard work the James Harden-led Rockets put forth throughout the previous handful of weeks quite literally produced the best post-All-Star-break record in the entire NBA, with Houston boasting a 20-5 effort since Feb. 21; a stretch that featured a nine-game winning streak and a mind-boggling 10.7 net rating.

What rewards did that hard work reap?

Just a handful of days ago, it appeared the answer to that end would be a 2 Seed in the Western Conference Playoffs, and thus, a homecourt edge through at least the first two rounds, should Houston continue to advance. Then, of course, a last-second loss to Oklahoma City in Houston’s regular-season finale ripped the Rockets’ destiny from their own hands. Nevertheless, entering the final evening the regular season, last Wednesday, Houston needed just one domino to fall in its favor for all to remain well — for either Portland or better yet, Denver, to lose to Sacramento and Minnesota, respectively.

Had Denver dropped its regular-season finale, the Rockets would have solidified the 2 Seed from home. The Nuggets went on to sneak past the Timberwolves, 99-95. Portland still remained, though, and a Trailblazers loss would have still seen Houston secure a 3 Seed. Portland, too, outlasting the Kings, 136-135, forcing Houston to watch helplessly as it fell from the 2 Seed to the 4 Seed within a matter of hours.

What now awaits is a 5-seeded Utah Jazz squad that enters the postseason nearly as hot as Houston, owning the third-best post-All-Star-break record (18-7) after winning 13 of their last 16 games.

Houston Rockets’ James Harden (13) drives past New York Knicks’ Noah Vonleh (32) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

The less than ideal matchup doesn’t mark the end of the world for Houston, as the Rockets, of course, cruised past the Jazz in the second round of the playoffs last season, 4-1. This Jazz team, however, is better than last year’s edition, bolstered by the second-most efficient defense in the NBA with a rating of 105.2.

Even beyond the Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert-led Jazz, though, should Houston once again advance beyond Utah, what will quite likely await given that Houston fell to the 4 seed is the back-to-back defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors. As last season revealed, the Rockets can certainly stand toe-to-toe with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and the rest of Golden State’s collection of All-Star-caliber talents, as Houston fell just one quarter short of upsetting the Warriors in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.

But nevertheless, even with MVP candidate James Harden spearheading a potent offense, it’s a potential matchup Houston would have loved to avoid; and that’s if the Rockets top a 50-win Utah squad.

Hard work pays off, huh?

Round Rock Dragons Baseball

Written by Charles Branch on . Posted in High School Baseball.

After a subpar start to begin the 2019 season the Round Rock Dragons have steamrolled their district rivals losing just once to Stoney Point. In a season where mediocrity began to set the tone for the Dragons, they buckled down and prepared to take over the district. Coach John Carter has done a fantastic job adjusting this season and playoffs are now a thought for this team.

The change in mindset has allowed Round Rock to focus and close out wins and even dominate in some instances. A complete 180 from a mediocre group of kids to a team that plays together to make sure they close games and leave each field with a win. The constant grind in district is precious and with just a couple of games left in the season they cannot allow themselves to get comfortable but use this momentum to evolve to another level come playoff time.              

Round Rock currently has a three game lead in district over Stoney Point and should take home the district title once all is said and done. A district title will give them the confidence to begin the playoffs on the right foot therefore presenting them the opportunity to go deep in the playoffs. They know what mediocrity is but they also have a taste of what winning can feel like as well in the tough 6A competition.

April is the last month of the regular season; Round Rock has made a name for themselves in the Central Texas high school area. They have earned every local high school’s respect from digging themselves out of a hole to claiming their spot in the playoffs. Anything is possible for this team based in Williamson County.

Aside from the fact there are other elite juggernaut teams in the Central Texas area, Round Rock for now is currently knocking on the door and will eventually bust through in the playoffs to make themselves heard.

Texas Spring Game

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS, UT FOOTBALL.

By Tucker Stephenson

AUSTIN — For Longhorn football fanatics, the 2019 season can’t get here soon enough.

The first taste of the new campaign is scheduled for Saturday, April 13 at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium during the annual Orange-White spring game. The contest is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. and will be televised on Longhorn Network.

Ever since Texas wrapped up a stunning 28-21 victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, the countdown has been underway to see what the Longhorns can provide as an encore during head coach Tom Herman’s third year at the helm. Herman guided Texas to a 10-4 overall record in 2018 and is now 17-10 with the Longhorns, including a 2-0 mark in bowl games.

Some of the intrigue that has surrounded major position battles in years past won’t be there this year, such as the starting quarterback role. Sam Ehlinger locked that down without question following a stellar sophomore year that culminated with the Westlake alum winning MVP honors in New Orleans.

Instead, Texas fans will get a deeper look at backup QB Casey Thompson, as the redshirt freshman is expected to see some reps with the first-string offense. Since Shane Buechele and Cam Rising decided to take their talents elsewhere via transfer, the No. 2 signal caller job is wide open.

Overall, the spring game will be more about health than name recognition. Star safeties Caden Sterns and B.J. Foster were both recently sidelined, as Sterns underwent a knee procedure that will keep him out for the remainder of fall and Foster is in the concussion protocol.

Fans Enjoy the fun at DKR at the 2018 Spring Game. Photo: UT Athletics

It’s not yet known whether Texas will take a chance and let Foster return for the spring game, but it would seem to be an unnecessary gamble.

Senior safety Brandon Jones is also on the shelf after having ankle surgery in February.

Among the biggest storylines for the Longhorns this spring is who will step up and replace wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey. D’Shawn Jamison and Brennan Eagles are said to be in the mix, but true freshman Jordan Whittington will have plenty of eyes on him — and with good reason. 

The Cuero grad is just over three months removed from a record-setting performance in the Class 4A Division II state title game. Whittington ran for 334 yards and five scores in the Gobblers’ 40-28 win over Texarkana Pleasant Grove and also surpassed iconic Lone Star running backs Eric Dickerson and Jonathan Gray during his senior season.

The Longhorns are also looking for newcomers in the middle of the defense following the loss of linebackers Gary Johnson and Anthony Wheeler, in addition to defensive tackle Chris Nelson. On the outside, replacements must also be found for departed cornerbacks Kris Boyd and Davante Davis.

2018 Spring Game last year. Photo: UT Athletics

Thankfully, Texas’ roster is stocked with young talent after pulling in several very strong recruiting classes. Perhaps the best news for Longhorns fans is that the list of serious overall needs has dwindled from this time a year ago.

That should be enough to make the 2019 spring game feel much more like an audition than any type of dress rehearsal for the opener against Louisiana Tech.

Red Raiders Make Championship Game

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL.

MINNEAPOLIS —Defense wins Championships they say in Football usually. And in Lubbock the Texas Tech defense froze up Tom Izzo and the blue blood program of Michigan State as Chris Beards Red Raiders got all over the Spartans in the 61-51 decision at U.S. Bank Stadium Saturday Night.

Michigan State made it’s eighth Final Four trip in 21 years while Texas Tech, a program with 17 tournament appearances and 12 conference championships scattered in 94 seasons haven’t made a final eight slot until last year.

When Michigan State’s Tom Izzo, spoke with coach Beard, “He mentioned our toughness,” Beard said, “and that word means a lot in our program.”

What does 57, 58, 44, 69 and 51 mean to the Red Raiders stat-sheet? It’s the total amount of points given up in the tournament so far by there tough defense. Just 55.8 a game.

Texas Tech guard Matt Mooney reacts to fans after a semifinal round game against Michigan State in the Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 6, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

The Road to the Title
Texas Tech coasted themselves into the Elite Eight, having won its first three tournament games by double digits, including a 19-point thumping over Michigan. The Red Raiders held the Wolverines to just 44 points in the Sweet 16, then went on to a thunderous win of 75-69 over No. 1 Gonzaga to reach their first Final Four ever. Chris Beard’s team so far hasn’t been in any nail-biters in the last few minutes of any games as they have grind thru the NCAA tournament to the Final Four.

1 game left. Only Coach Bennett and his squad of Cavaliers stand in the way of Texas Tech this Monday night for 2019 Men’s NCAA Championship.

Horns Win 2019 NIT

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL, TEXAS SPORTS.

AUSTIN TX – Texas basketball hosted the five-seed Lipscomb Bisons as barley a 1.5-point favorite at MSG last Thursday Night and brought home a Championship to the 40 acres. The question is will this victory ease the pain of the regular season for the Texas faithful and it’s struggles in 2019?

For the 3rd time in 21 years the Longhorns missed the NCAA tournament and were edged out by a very competitive Big 12 Conference in 2019 and a mediocre season falling short of Texas fan base expectations as the horns went a mere 16-16.

Shooting guard Kerwin Roach Jr. heated up in the NIT after missing several games and throughout the 2019 regular season amidst some controversy. However the Sr. finished the season hard and gained some support by Texas fans closing out the season winning 5 strait.

UT’s 81-66 victory in the NIT Championship Game at Madison Square Garden may be enough for head Coach Shaka Smart to stay in Austin a few more season amidst rumors in the local media speculating the coaches future.

Texas Tech guard Jarrett Culver, right, shoots over Gonzaga forward Rui Hachimura during the second half of the West Regional final in the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Big 12 rival Texas Tech has built up a strong program in recent years under head coach Chris Beard. While it was Texas who celebrated the NIT National Championship in New York Thursday it will be the Red Raiders of Lubbock playing for “All the Marbles” against Virginia in Minneapolis for the true National Title.

Texas Tech may be the red headed step child to the Longhorns in Football in the Big 12, but in hoops the Horns will have to wait for next year to compete with the in-state-rival for Big 12 Title and a chance to prove worthy of a 20′ NCAA invite next spring.

The Red Raiders play Monday night for the National Championship against Virginia. This is both teams first time in the title game and first time since 1979 have two schools competed for their first national title when Michigan State defeated Indiana State beginning the Magic/Bird rivalry in the 80’s

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Longhorns advance to NIT Championship. Defeat TCU 58-44

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL.

Shaka Smart’s team got their HOOP ON Tuesday night from the MSG and played a great defensive game against the Horned Frogs who won the 2 previous meetings this season over the Horns. But winning three in one season is a tall order for any team and the Longhorns used the previous losses as motivation and would not be denied a trip to the NIT Championship game this Thursday Night.

Texas (20-16)  had help from Sr. Dylan Osetkowski as he put up 13 points while Kerwin Roach dominated throughout the semifinal game against the Horned Frogs and tallied a team-high 22 points for Texas in the low scoring night.

In just the second time in the Longhorns history , Texas will advance to the NIT Championship game to face off against Lipscomb. Horns were crowned NIT Champions during the 1978 season.

Road to the NIT Championship

  • 79-73 vs. South Dakota State
  • 78-76 (OT) vs. Xavier
  • 68-55 vs. Colorado
  • 58-44 vs. TCU
  • Photo: UT Athletics

Red Raiders advance to Final Four defeats 1 seed Gonzaga

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders winners of the Big 12 championship have advanced for the first time in school history to the men’s final four in Minneapolis. 

The Defensive Juggernaut held the Bulldogs explosive offense and powerhouse Gonzaga to 20 under their season average (88.7) scoring just 69 in the Elite 8 contest Saturday evening.

Knocking off the 1 Seed.
The Red Raiders Of Lubbock Texas were victorious 75 to 69 in Anaheim on Saturday becoming the 2019 NCAA Western regional champions and the first to punch their way to College Basketball’s most coveted event The Final Four.

The 2019 Big 12 Champs have made a run of 30-wins this season and Coach Chris Beard now boasts a 75-30 record in his tenure at Tech. For the first time in program history, the Red Raiders are headed to the Final Four.

Texas Tech guard Jarrett Culver, right, shoots over Gonzaga forward Rui Hachimura during the second half of the West Regional final in the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Whats to come?

Tech will wait for its next tournament opponent next weekend when The Red Raiders will take on the winner of Duke and Michigan State, who are slated to tip-off at 4:05 p.m. on Sunday.