No. 16 Red Raiders stifle Colorado for 78-44 win

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - The No. 16 Texas Tech Red Raiders (18-6, 8-3) turned in their strongest defensive performance so far this season with a dominant 78-44 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes. Wednesday night’s win was a much different outcome than from their Jan. 10 outing where Tech men escaped Boulder with a 73-71 win.

In their defensive effort, the Red Raiders accounted for ten steals and nine blocks and held Colorado to 29 percent shooting.

Guard Donovon Atwell accounted for 20 points and continued to state his case as a prolific three-point shooter and was 6-for-10 from behind the three-point line. Forward JT Toppin scored 16 points and had a season-high 18 rebounds.

“I thought his competitiveness tonight was tremendous, just coming up with 18 rebounds, and having three blocks, two steals. I just felt like his competitiveness was right, in a night where the ball didn’t go in as easy for him- he’s finding ways to win!,” said men’s head basketball coach Grant McCasland after the game.

Christian Anderson registered 14 points and was 3-for-6 in three-pointers.

After going into the break with a 39-22 lead, the Red Raiders were off to a fast start in the second half with an 11-1 run and sat comfortably ahead with a 50-23 score.

McCasland says he believes the biggest difference was the 21 points Tech had off of offensive rebounds, compared to zero from the Buffaloes.

“Man, I thought our team grew in the right way- especially defensively, and it was fun to see these men compete,” Coach McCasland said.

This victory comes three days after their 70-63 win at West Virginia, in a game where they never trailed.

The Red Raiders now turn their attention to the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats, who they will face 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz.