Despite missing their star guard, Texas Tech nearly upset No. 11 Kansas, showcasing unexpected depth and a tenacious fight.
The atmosphere inside United Supermarkets Arena this past Monday was electric, but it was missing one vital spark on the hardwood in Christian Anderson.
In a Big Monday showdown that lived up to the hype, the Texas Tech Red Raiders went toe-to-toe with the No. 11 Kansas Jayhawks, ultimately falling just short in a 64-61 heartbreaker.
While the scoreboard favored the visitors, the narrative of the night was the sheer grit of a Tech squad playing without its primary playmaker.
For the first time this season, the Red Raiders had to navigate the floor without Anderson. The star guard has been the engine of the offense, but a sudden illness sidelined him just as the spotlight turned on.
Fans caught a glimmer of hope when Anderson emerged from the tunnel to warm up after halftime. However, despite the best efforts of veteran assistant athletic trainer Mike Neal, the decision was eventually made to prioritize Anderson's health.
Head coach Grant McCasland noted that the team fully expected him to suit up until the final moments of pre-game introductions, making the adjustment on the fly all the more remarkable.
Even without their leader, Texas Tech didn't just compete; it dominated for large stretches. The Red Raiders held a 10-point lead with only eight minutes remaining.
The defensive intensity was a testament to McCasland’s system, proving that this roster has depth and a "next man up" mentality that can challenge the best in the Big 12.
While Kansas eventually found its rhythm to claw back, the performance served as a loud statement to the rest of the conference.
If the Red Raiders can push a top-15 team to the brink while their best player is in the locker room, they are going to be a dangerous out in March.
The focus now shifts to recovery.
Texas Tech hits the road this Saturday for a noon tip-off against West Virginia. With a few days for Christian Anderson to get back to 100 percent, the Red Raiders are looking to turn this moral victory into a tangible one in Morgantown.
If Monday night showed us anything, it’s that this team has the heart to beat anyone, anywhere ... with or without their full lineup.