Texas Tech Blows Past Buffalo for Sweet 16 Berth
The Texas Tech Red Raiders just had a signature win over Buffalo to head to the program's second straight Sweet 16.
The 20-point win over Buffalo was Texas Tech's widest margin of victory ever in an NCAA Tournament game. The 78-58 final was also Buffalo's first time under 72 points in the last 30 games.
It was a dominant performance all-around for the Red Raiders, who had all five starters in double digits, including the star of the game, Norense Odiase, who had a double-double with 15 rebounds and 14 points. Neither Odiase nor Tariq Owens missed a shot from the field. Owens finished with 10 points and 7 boards.
Those 15 boards from the Big O? Another Red Raider record.
Davide Moretti and Matt Mooney chipped in double digits, finishing with 11 a piece.
The Big 12 Player of the Year Jarrett Culver also had a great night, getting a double-double of his own with 16 and 10. He also added five assists and two blocks and steals.
It was a solid offensive night, but the game was broken open by an extended field goal drought from Buffalo that lasted the final 3:25 of the first half, and well into the second. By the time they could figure out what was going on, Texas Tech had blown it wide open.
It was domination from whistle to whistle from Texas Tech, who looked like one of the best teams this weekend.
Texas Tech moves on to face the 2-seed Michigan in the Sweet 16.