Texas Tech fans packed into rival Texas ‘ home arena.
They lustily booed « The Eyes of Texas » song from the rafters. They chanted « De-fense » on …
Texas Tech fans packed into rival Texas ‘ home arena. They lustily booed « The Eyes of Texas » song from the rafters. They chanted « De-fense » on every crucial possession. They howled when the Longhorns launched a late air ball. And then the No.11 Red Raiders players strutted out of the building with a 61-55 win Saturday, made all the sweeter given how this old rivalry that once sat on a low simmer has boiled over this season. Bryson Williams scored 17 points and Texas Tech held off a late charge by the No.20 Longhorns to get the victory and sweep the regular-season series. The win earned the Red Raiders (21-6,10-4 Big 12) and their fans another hearty jab against Texas coach Chris Beard, who led Texas Tech for five years and took them to the brink of a national championship in 2019, only to leave for his alma mater this season. Beard’s bolt from a campus that had embraced him left hard feelings in Lubbock, and the Red Raiders fans in the building loudly booed whenever his face appeared on the arena video board. « With all the respect I got for them, that was personal, » said Red Raiders guard Clarence Nadolny, who scored 14 points. « You don’t want to lose to the guy that left you. » Texas Tech led by 10 with just over 3 minutes to play before Texas closed to within 56-55 after a 9-0 run. But Andrew Jones’ long 3-pointer with 1:10 to play was the last Texas basket of the game, and Texas Tech put it away from the free throw line.
