LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The Texas Tech Red Raiders, without Warren Washington and Darrion Williams, lost 82-59 to the Houston Cougars in the Big 12 Championship semifinal round.
Tech fell behind early, with Houston leading by 16 points after half the first period.
However, the Red Raiders fought back and returned to the locker room at halftime with a three-point lead, 32-29.
Free throws early in the second half tied Tech at 37-37 at 5:40 p.m.
However, Houston quickly turned things around with a 14-1 run. With the Cougars trailing 51-38, Red Raider coach Grant McCasland forced a timeout.
Despite Tech trying to fight back again, Houston's lead grew to 19 points at the 11:28 mark of the 12-and-under media timeout. The Red Raiders committed a total of five turnovers in five minutes, giving the Cougars a 57-38 lead.
A three from Kerwin Walton finally got the Red Raiders back in scoring position, but Houston kept up the pressure and eventually took a 70-43 lead with 7:28 left in the game.
The Cougars cruised to victory the rest of the game, finishing with 26 points off 19 Tech turnovers.
Chance McMillian started in place of Williams, who sat out as a precaution, and led the Red Raiders' offense with 15 points.
Emeli Yarajo and Joe Toussaint each scored 10 points. Lamar Washington, Robert Jennings and McMillian each had five rebounds. Washington and Toussaint each had three assists.
Tech University will find its destination in the NCAA Tournament with selections on St. Patrick's Day Sunday. Fans can attend a viewing party inside United Supermarkets Arena on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m.
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