A single free throw in the final seconds of a Madison Square Garden showdown gave Texas Tech the edge over Duke, turning a 17-point deficit into an 82-81 victory. The Red Raiders, seeded 19th in the AP poll, rallied from deep behind to claim their first win over a top-five opponent since 2022.
The Final Minutes
Christian Anderson poured in 23 of his 27 points in the second half, including the game-deciding free throw with 3.4 seconds left. Anderson was fouled by Caleb Foster, made the front end of a 1-and-1, then missed his second attempt. With 1.6 seconds remaining, Isaiah Evans grabbed the rebound, and Duke called a timeout to set up a play. Foster inbounded near the Texas Tech bench, but Cameron Boozer’s 3-point try bounced off the rim, possibly just after the final horn.
Texas Tech’s Resilience
After Duke led 58-41 with 16 ½ minutes to go, the Blue Devils blew a 17-point advantage for the first time since February 2007, when they fell to Florida State. Anderson’s three-point play with 1:14 left gave Texas Tech an 81-77 lead. Cayden Boozer drained a corner 3-pointer for Duke, but his twin brother, Cameron, tied the score at 81 by making one of two free throws with 18 seconds remaining.
Key Performances
LeJuan Watts scored 20 points for Texas Tech before fouling out with 11:33 left, while the Red Raiders shot 55.2 % from the field. JT Toppin, who had dealt with foul trouble, finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds. His jumper over Cameron Boozer gave Texas Tech a 78-77 advantage with 1:35 left in the game.
Duke’s Standout Effort
Cameron Boozer led Duke with 23 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. He shot 7 for 11 from the floor but missed five of his 14 free throws. Cayden Boozer added 13 points off the bench, and the Blue Devils, shooting 51.9 %, had won nine straight games at MSG.
Historical Context
The win snapped a six-game skid versus ranked teams and improved Texas Tech’s record against top-25 opponents to 1-3 this season. It was the program’s first triumph over a top-five foe since defeating No. 1 Baylor 65-62 in January 2022.
Post-Game Celebrations
Red Raiders players poured off the bench to celebrate the narrow victory. The win was a significant morale boost for the team, who had struggled against top-25 competition earlier in the season.
Upcoming Games
Texas Tech will host Winthrop on December 28, while Duke will host Georgia Tech in its ACC opener on December 31.
Key Takeaways
- Christian Anderson’s 23-point second half, including a clutch free throw, led Texas Tech to an 82-81 win.
- The Red Raiders overcame a 17-point deficit, ending a six-game losing streak against ranked teams.
- Duke’s Cameron Boozer posted a 23-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist performance, but the team fell short.
The game showcased Texas Tech’s resilience and set the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.
Closing Thoughts
Texas Tech’s victory over a top-five opponent in a high-profile venue underscores the unpredictable nature of college basketball. The Red Raiders’ ability to rally from a substantial deficit will serve as a confidence booster as they head into their next matchup against Winthrop. Duke, meanwhile, will regroup after a narrow loss that highlighted both their offensive firepower and moments of missed opportunity.
