No. 13 Texas Tech and Baylor are both coming off upset victories on Saturday and will try to carry that momentum into their meeting Tuesday night in Lubbock, Texas.
The Red Raiders (17-4, 8-2 Big 12) pulled off an 82-81 overtime victory over No. 6 Houston, extending their winning streak to six straight. Texas Tech defeated the Cougars despite losing leading scorer and rebounder JT Toppin and coach Grant McCasland less than four minutes into the game as both were ejected when Toppin was assessed a flagrant-2 foul.
“We knew it would take everything we got to get this one done,” McCasland said. “We knew we would have to handle adversity, too. I can’t remember being a part of one like this. It is like the most beautiful picture of what being a part of a team is about.”
Texas Tech showcased its depth throughout the game, with five players finishing in double figures led by Chance McMillian’s 23 points.
“We just all agreed we weren’t losing it,” McMillian said. “It was a collective effort and total team effort. It definitely sends a message to the Big 12 that we’re here. We’re just not going to back down.”
Baylor (14-7, 6-4), meanwhile, overcame a 21-point deficit to defeat No. 11 Kansas. The Bears made history by pulling off the biggest comeback ever against the Jayhawks, which marked their third win in their last four games.
But the biggest question surrounding Baylor is the status of star freshman VJ Edgecombe. Baylor said that Edgecombe has been diagnosed with an ankle injury and currently has no timetable for a return.
“One thing about VJ is VJ will be back when he can be back,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said afterward. “He cares about his team, and he wants to win. His intentions are always pure.”
Baylor also is still dealing with injuries to Langston Love (recurring ankle soreness) and Jeremy Roach (concussion protocol). Love has missed nine straight games, Roach the past four, and both are considered day-to-day, according to the program.
Despite the injury issues, the Bears found their rhythm on Saturday. They outscored the Jayhawks 60-30 in the second half. Freshman guard Robert Wright III, a top-25 recruit, had a career-high 24 points and Norchad Omier posted a double-double with 18 points and 16 rebounds.
Wright emerging as a go-to scorer will be something to watch going forward given the team’s injury issues elsewhere.
“My teammates just kept telling me that they trusted me,” Wright said. “And that it was my turn just to take over the game.”
Kansas coach Bill Self described Baylor as a team that could be “dangerous” come March. Drew echoed those thoughts after the thrilling comeback.
“I’m just telling you, I’ve been here 22 years and I don’t know if I’ve ever been more proud of a group,” Drew said. “Down 21, limited numbers, VJ is out. What that group was able to do, I’m glad it’s on YouTube. I’ll watch that again someday.”
As far as the Baylor-Texas Tech matchup, it’ll be the only regular-season meeting between them. The teams split last season with the home team winning each game. Texas Tech is 11-2 at home this season.
–Field Level Media
