WVU defeats Texas Tech in first round of Big 12 Tourney

Mar 9, 2023

KANSAS CITY,MO.—–As predicted the West Virginia Mountaineers(19-13) knocked Texas Tech (16-16) out of the Big 12 tournament 78-62 Wednesday night behind Kedrian Johnson’s 20 points and a solid team effort. Erik Stevenson chipped in 18 and Tre Mitchell followed with 17. Emmitt Matthews added 13. WVU shot 40.9 percent from the field but only went 9 of 26 from three point range (34.6 percent). Tech was only 36 percent from the field and 26 percent at 3 point tries.

Texas Tech took a quick 9-2 lead to start the game however a three pointer from Tre Mitchell and a layup by Emmit Matthews Jr, cut Tech’s lead to two at 14:41 . Stevenson went out of the game but came back in and hit two consecutive threes to tie the game at 17. With the game tied at 24 Stevenson hit consecutive jumpers and went 3 for 3 from the free throw line giving WVU a seven point bulge with just five minutes to go in the half. West Virginia took a 43-35 half time lead.

In the second half Bob Huggins’ defense held Tech scoreless for over six minutes and went on to a 21 point lead with only 6:49 left in the contest. Tech did get to within 12 at the 2:51 mark but could never capitalize.

The Mountaineers now have the tough task of facing No. 3 Kansas (25-6) in the quarterfinals Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m. At the time of this posting, WVU is behind to Kansas 62-50 with 5 minutes remaining!