Trending Now - Texas Tech Defeats Akron 91-71 in March 20 Matchup

WHO:

Texas Tech Red Raiders, Akron Zips, Jaylen Petty (Texas Tech player), Christian Anderson (Texas Tech player), Josiah Moseley (Texas Tech player), Donovan Atwell (Texas Tech player), LeJuan Watts (Texas Tech player), JT Toppin (Texas Tech player), Amani Lyles (Akron player), Shammah Scott (Akron player), Grant McCasland (Texas Tech coach), John Groce (Akron coach)

WHAT:

Texas Tech defeated Akron 91-71 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Jaylen Petty scored 24 points, Christian Anderson scored 18 points, Josiah Moseley scored 16 points, Donovan Atwell scored 15 points, and LeJuan Watts scored 14 points for Texas Tech.

Amani Lyles led Akron with 26 points, and Shammah Scott scored 20 points.

Texas Tech improved its record to 23-10.

Akron's record was 29-6.

WHERE:

The game took place in Tampa, Florida.

WHEN:

The game occurred on March 20th, 2026.

Texas Tech will face either fourth-seeded Alabama or No. 13 seed Hofstra in the second round on March 22nd, 2026.

WHY:

Texas Tech played without All-America guard JT Toppin, who tore the ACL in his right knee in February 2026.

Texas Tech aimed to advance to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year.

HOW:

Texas Tech got double-figure scoring from five players.

The Red Raiders built their biggest lead of the first half at 37-25 following an 8-0 run.

Texas Tech's strategy included challenging their team to improve defensively and finish with rebounds.

(UPDATED March 21, 2026 05:20 UTC)

In a strong showing at the NCAA Tournament in Tampa, Texas Tech defeated Akron 91 to 71, improving their record to 23 and 10. Jaylen Petty led the Red Raiders with 24 points, while Amani Lyles topped Akron's scoring with 26 points. Texas Tech will move on to face either fourth-seeded Alabama or No. 13 seed Hofstra in the second round on March 22.