Texas Tech basketball dominant in 2nd half during NCAA Tournament

Red Raiders stymie prolific Buffalo offense in second-half defensive clinic

The first time that the college basketball world (at least those that do not pay attention to Big 12 hoops) were introduced to the dominant Texas Tech defense was when the Red Raiders humbled Buffalo, one of the best offensive teams in the nation.

May national pundits thought that the Bulls’ No. 6 overall offense would be too much for Tech to handle but thanks to one of the most dominant stretches of basketball in program history, the Red Raiders stymied Buffalo and showed the world what the Red Raiders are capable of.

Leading 33-25 at the break, Tech opened the second half by extending a defensive run that began in the final few minutes of the first half.  Ultimately, Tech held the Bulls without a field goal for 18-consecutive possessions with 15 of those coming in the second half.

By the time Buffalo made its first field goal of the half, Tech had bumped its lead up to 51-30 on their way to building a lead that eventually grew to 29 points.  In that half, Buffalo went just 10-25 from the field and half of those made baskets came in the final five minutes of play after Tech was already up 72-44.

Meanwhile, Tech went 15-24 in the second half as they abused a Buffalo defense that could not stop Texas Tech inside as the Red Raiders hit 9-12 shots in the paint.  This was as impressive of a second-half showing as any on the year for the Red Raiders who coasted their way into the Sweet 16.