Texas Tech Survives UNCW’s Upset Bid: A March Madness Thriller!

In a thrilling first-round matchup of the NCAA Tournament on March 20, 2025, No. 3 seed Texas Tech faced off against UNC Wilmington (UNCW), a team making its return to March Madness after an eight-year hiatus. The game, held at the Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas, showcased the unpredictable nature of the tournament, where upsets are always a possibility. Ultimately, Texas Tech emerged victorious with an 82-72 win, allowing them to advance to the second round.

The game began with Texas Tech establishing a commanding presence, quickly building a 16-point lead in the first half. The Red Raiders demonstrated their offensive prowess by attempting a staggering 46 three-pointers, setting an NCAA Tournament record. The standout player for Texas Tech was Kerwin Walton, who scored a career-high 27 points, leading his team to victory.

Despite the initial dominance of Texas Tech, UNCW showed remarkable resilience. The Seahawks, inspired by their recent return to the tournament, fought back to take a brief lead in the second half. Sean Moore, UNCW’s confident leader, had previously expressed his belief in the team’s ability to pull off an upset, adding to the game’s tension. The back-and-forth nature of the contest featured several lead changes, emphasizing the competitive spirit typical of March Madness.

As the game progressed, Texas Tech’s defense was put to the test. The Red Raiders faced a determined UNCW squad that managed to limit star player JT Toppin to just 12 points. On the other side, Nolan Hodge emerged as a key player for UNCW, scoring 18 points off the bench, showcasing the depth of the Seahawks’ roster. The game was a testament to UNCW’s determination, even as they ultimately fell short.

In addition to Walton’s standout performance, Texas Tech’s Elijah Hawkins nearly achieved a triple-double, contributing 14 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds. His all-around play was instrumental in maintaining the Red Raiders’ lead, particularly in the game’s critical moments. Texas Tech’s ability to hit 13 three-pointers proved pivotal, allowing them to keep UNCW at bay during their comeback attempts.

The atmosphere at the Intrust Bank Arena was electric, as fans from both sides rallied behind their teams. The excitement of March Madness was palpable, with the game concluding the first day of the tournament. Texas Tech’s victory was crucial for their tournament aspirations, as they aim for a deep run in the competition. The Red Raiders will now face No. 11 seed Drake in the next round, setting up another challenging matchup.

Although UNCW’s Donovan Newby struggled in this game, finishing with only 6 points, the Seahawks’ performance showcased their potential and resilience. The loss, while disappointing, should not overshadow the progress the team has made this season. Their return to the NCAA Tournament after eight years is a significant achievement, and they will look to build on this experience moving forward.

As the final buzzer sounded, Texas Tech celebrated their hard-fought victory, but not without acknowledging the challenge posed by UNCW. The Red Raiders’ win, while not as dominant as expected, demonstrated their resilience and ability to win under pressure. March Madness continues to surprise, and as teams vie for glory, fans can expect more thrilling moments like this one.

In conclusion, the matchup between Texas Tech and UNCW was a classic example of March Madness, where the stakes are high, and every game is a battle. As the tournament progresses, both teams will carry valuable lessons from this encounter, with Texas Tech looking to solidify their status as a contender and UNCW eager to return stronger in the future. The unpredictability of the tournament ensures that anything can happen, and fans are left eagerly anticipating what the next round will bring.