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Starters are introduced and we're moments away from tipoff in San Juan pic.twitter.com/BsIErAlnkJ
— TexasTech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) November 22, 2015
Despite only trailing 36-33 at the half against #16 Utah, Texas Tech fell in their first game of the tournament 73-63. Toddrick Gotcher chipped in 12 points and 5 assists, and Devaugntah Williams scored a team-leading 13. I don't think anyone thought this plucky Red Raiders team had a huge chance at the win, but they played with tenacity and gave the powerful Utes a good scare.
It took 10 points over the last 5 minutes of the Red Raider's next game against Mississippi State to pull out a victory over the Bulldogs. The Red Raiders triumphed in a nail-biter, 74-72. The Red Raider's starting 5 scored the vast majority of their points, and they staved off a furious comeback from Mississippi State in the waning moments of the game.
Texas Tech would next face Minnesota, Tubby Smith's old team, in the 5th place game. Tech got a solid victory over the Golden Gophers, taking home the win 81-68. Devaugntah Williams dropped 21 points on the Gophers, and chants of "WE'VE GOT TUBBY" rang from the Red Raider faithful who made their way to the tournament.
All in all, this was a very successful tournament for the Red Raiders, who posted a 2-1 record and took home 5th place. They finished with wins over teams from the SEC and B1G, and had a convincing win in the 5th place game against Minnesota. The future looks bright for this Red Raider squad. Here's my favorite highlight from the tournament:
Toddrick Gotcher with the ankle breaker and step-back dish to Smith pic.twitter.com/u4Ih7mUbeN
— Andrew Doak (@AndrewDoak_KAMC) November 22, 2015