How many times has Texas Tech made the NCAA Tournament?

Texas Tech University has a long and storied history in college athletics, beginning in 1925 when the school first joined the Southwest Conference. Since then, the Red Raiders have competed in a variety of NCAA conferences, most recently the Big 12. Throughout their time in intercollegiate athletics, Texas Tech has had a successful run in the NCAA Tournament, making 23 appearances in the tournament since 1949.

Texas Tech’s First NCAA Tournament Appearance

Texas Tech’s first NCAA Tournament appearance came in 1949, when the Red Raiders were invited to the tournament for the first time. The Red Raiders had a successful season, ending with a 15-7 record and a third-place finish in the Southwest Conference. Led by head coach Polk Robison, the Red Raiders earned a spot in the tournament and were matched up with the No. 8 seeded St. Louis Billikens. Texas Tech would go on to lose the game 65-62, but it was a major milestone for the program and the start of a long run of NCAA Tournament appearances.

Texas Tech’s Most Recent NCAA Tournament Appearances

Texas Tech has made five NCAA Tournament appearances in the last 10 years, with the most recent coming in 2019. The Red Raiders had a successful season, finishing with a 26-6 record and winning the Big 12 regular season championship. The team was led by head coach Chris Beard, who has become one of the most successful coaches in the program’s history. Texas Tech advanced to the Elite Eight of the tournament, but ultimately fell to Virginia in the regional final.

Texas Tech’s NCAA Tournament Success

Despite not winning a national championship, Texas Tech has had a considerable amount of success in the NCAA Tournament. The Red Raiders have made it to the Sweet Sixteen on five occasions and the Elite Eight three times. They have also made it to the Final Four twice, most recently in 2019 when they lost to eventual national champion Virginia.

Notable Texas Tech NCAA Tournament Games

Throughout their 23 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, Texas Tech has had some memorable and exciting games. Here are some of the most notable games in Texas Tech’s NCAA Tournament history:

1985: Texas Tech vs. Virginia

In 1985, Texas Tech faced off against Virginia in the Sweet Sixteen. The Red Raiders were the No. 10 seed, but they pulled off the upset, defeating the Cavaliers 74-71 in overtime. It was the first time in school history that Texas Tech had advanced to the Elite Eight.

1996: Texas Tech vs. Purdue

In 1996, Texas Tech faced off against Purdue in the Elite Eight. The Red Raiders were the No. 5 seed, but they pulled off the upset, defeating the Boilermakers 78-65. It was the first time in school history that Texas Tech had advanced to the Final Four.

2019: Texas Tech vs. Michigan

In 2019, Texas Tech faced off against Michigan in the Elite Eight. The Red Raiders were the No. 3 seed and were heavily favored to win the game, but Michigan pulled off the upset, defeating Texas Tech 63-44. The loss ended the Red Raiders’ run to the Final Four.

Notable Texas Tech NCAA Tournament Players

Throughout the years, Texas Tech has had some standout players who have played a key role in the program’s success in the NCAA Tournament. Here are some of the most notable players in Texas Tech’s NCAA Tournament history:

Rick Bullock (1985)

Rick Bullock was a key player for Texas Tech in 1985, when the Red Raiders advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history. Bullock was the team’s leading scorer, averaging 14.9 points per game, and was named to the All-Tournament team.

Andy Ellis (1996)

Andy Ellis was a key player for Texas Tech in 1996, when the Red Raiders advanced to the Final Four for the first time in school history. Ellis was the team’s leading scorer, averaging 16.3 points per game, and was named to the All-Tournament team.

Jarrett Culver (2019)

Jarrett Culver was a key player for Texas Tech in 2019, when the Red Raiders advanced to the Elite Eight. Culver was the team’s leading scorer, averaging 18.5 points per game, and was named to the All-Tournament team.

Conclusion

Texas Tech has had a long and successful history in the NCAA Tournament, making 23 appearances since 1949. The Red Raiders have had some memorable and successful tournament runs, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen on five occasions and the Elite Eight three times. They have also made it to the Final Four twice, most recently in 2019 when they lost to eventual national champion Virginia. Texas Tech has had some standout players throughout the years, including Rick Bullock, Andy Ellis, and Jarrett Culver, who have all played a key role in the program’s success.

FAQs

How many times has Texas Tech made the NCAA Tournament?

Texas Tech has made 23 appearances in the NCAA Tournament since 1949.

Who was the head coach when Texas Tech first made the NCAA Tournament?

The head coach when Texas Tech first made the NCAA Tournament was Polk Robison in 1949.

Which players have been named to the All-Tournament team for Texas Tech?

Players who have been named to the All-Tournament team for Texas Tech include Rick Bullock (1985), Andy Ellis (1996), and Jarrett Culver (2019).