Texas Tech's unpredictable run reached its end Thursday when the Red Raiders were defeated by Butler in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Texas Tech (19-13, 9-9 Big 12) completed its season with wins against seven NCAA Tournament opponents, including key victories against Oklahoma, Iowa State, Baylor and Texas.
Here are five thoughts from Texas Tech's season-long push for an NCAA Tournament appearance.
1. Adversity strikes.
Texas Tech lost six of nine games during the first half of its Big 12 schedule. The Red Raiders lost sophomore center Norense Odiase to injury in their first meeting against TCU and fellow sophomore center Isaiah Manderson had already elected to transfer earlier in the season, leaving walk-on junior Matthew Temple to start for a Big 12 basketball program against elite competition, including Oklahoma and West Virginia.