Texas Tech Wins Sweet 16 Game, Defeats Arkansas

Texas Tech staged an incredible comeback, overcoming a 16-point deficit to defeat Arkansas 85-83 in overtime and advance to the Elite Eight. Darrion Williams, who struggled for much of the game, became the hero, scoring the game-tying 3-pointer in regulation and the decisive basket in overtime.

Williams’ performance, despite a slow start, exemplified the resilience of the Red Raiders. “The heart of the team is Darrion Williams,” said coach Grant McCasland. “He’s just a resilient guy.”

The game was a tale of two halves, with Arkansas controlling the early stages and building a significant lead. However, Texas Tech mounted a furious comeback in the final minutes of regulation, fueled by clutch 3-pointers from Christian Anderson and key baskets from Williams.

With less than five minutes remaining, Texas Tech trailed by 13 points, but they closed regulation with a 16-3 run, culminating in Williams’ game-tying 3 with 9.7 seconds left. In overtime, the teams traded leads, but Williams ultimately delivered the winning basket.

“We’re going to find a way to win this,” said guard Christian Anderson, reflecting the team’s determination.

Williams finished with 20 points, as did JT Toppin, while Anderson led the team with 22. Johnell Davis scored 30 points for Arkansas, and Karter Knox added 20.

The loss was a bitter end to John Calipari’s first season at Arkansas, and it marked the largest blown lead in an NCAA tournament game by a Calipari-coached team. “We’re all disappointed here,” Calipari said. “But I told them, there’s nothing them individually or my team could do to disappoint me because of what they’ve done this year. I’m so proud of them.”

Texas Tech now advances to face top-seeded Florida in the West Region final, with a chance to reach the Final Four.

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