A few thoughts from tonight...
*This team has been so, so close to getting a W against these good teams, and everything finally came together tonight in Lubbock against the 5th ranked Bears. Tech absolutely had to get one like this to stay in it for the Tourney. They got it, and now they have to use it as a lightning rod to make a strong finish.
*Finally, this team's aggression on offense paid off, particularly in the 2nd half where the Red Raiders made 9 layups, only shot 5 threes. Tech shot an incredible 43 free throws on the night as well. Getting to the rim gets this team wins. Tonight was the best they've done all year at that.
*And that's saying something considering Baylor is one of the best defensive teams in college basketball. In fact, Tech scored an eye popping 52 points in the second half of this game. If they'll play offense like that the rest of the way out, they'll keep winning games.
*Niem Stevenson. Again. 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 0 turnovers. He's blossoming in such an incredible way here late.
*Aaron Ross is breathing, people. He scored 8 in the second half, including a lightning three that made the USA erupt and really put a capper on the shifting momentum after Manu Lecomte fouled out for Baylor. Tech needed some kind of senior contribution tonight, and they got just enough.
*Coach Beard's shift to a zone in the second half combined with Lecomte fouling out really got to Baylor's offensive plan in the last 15 minutes. The Bears jacked up a TON of bad threes then from the left wing. That was key.
*Give credit to this Tech team for their fight and scrappiness. They've never quit during this tough stretch, and tonight it paid off. I think it's some much needed assurance for this group. We'll see how they take it into the final 5 games here.
*This team has been so, so close to getting a W against these good teams, and everything finally came together tonight in Lubbock against the 5th ranked Bears. Tech absolutely had to get one like this to stay in it for the Tourney. They got it, and now they have to use it as a lightning rod to make a strong finish.
*Finally, this team's aggression on offense paid off, particularly in the 2nd half where the Red Raiders made 9 layups, only shot 5 threes. Tech shot an incredible 43 free throws on the night as well. Getting to the rim gets this team wins. Tonight was the best they've done all year at that.
*And that's saying something considering Baylor is one of the best defensive teams in college basketball. In fact, Tech scored an eye popping 52 points in the second half of this game. If they'll play offense like that the rest of the way out, they'll keep winning games.
*Niem Stevenson. Again. 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 0 turnovers. He's blossoming in such an incredible way here late.
*Aaron Ross is breathing, people. He scored 8 in the second half, including a lightning three that made the USA erupt and really put a capper on the shifting momentum after Manu Lecomte fouled out for Baylor. Tech needed some kind of senior contribution tonight, and they got just enough.
*Coach Beard's shift to a zone in the second half combined with Lecomte fouling out really got to Baylor's offensive plan in the last 15 minutes. The Bears jacked up a TON of bad threes then from the left wing. That was key.
*Give credit to this Tech team for their fight and scrappiness. They've never quit during this tough stretch, and tonight it paid off. I think it's some much needed assurance for this group. We'll see how they take it into the final 5 games here.
