Texas Tech basketball dominant in 2nd half during NCAA Tournament
Tech offense comes alive against Michigan in second half
Against Michigan, the Texas Tech defense was locked in from the start of the game, allowing just 16 points in the first half and 44 for the game. And after an ugly start to the game, the Red Raider offense finally found its rhythm after the break helping to blow out the No. 2 seeded Michigan Wolverines 63-44.
In the second half, Tech outscored UM 39-28 thanks to an efficient performance from Jarrett Culver. On his way to 22 points, Tech’s star sophomore went 4-7 from the field (all four makes coming in the paint) and scoring 14 points as Tech softened up the nation’s second-most efficient defense.
In the first half, the Red Raiders struggled to just 24 points on 9-27 shooting (33.3%). But after the break, Tech hit 12-25 shots (48%) as the Red Raiders began to attack the basket.
That was the big change the Red Raiders made in this game. After halftime, the Red Raiders attempted eleven shots in the paint, making seven. In other words, 44% of their second-half shots came in the lane while only 37% of their first-half field goal attempts came in the paint.
Meanwhile, Michigan never made the adjustment. Overall, they went 1-19 from 3-point range with their only made 3 coming in the final minute of the game.
Even after missing nine 3-pointers in the first half, the Wolverines continued to fire away from deep. Though they were 6-9 in the paint in the first half, Michigan seemed content to simply try to shoot their way out of their offensive woes, which played right into the hands of the Red Raider defense, which is No. 11 in the nation against the 3-point shot allowing just 29%.
In the second half, the Wolverines attempted just eight shots in the lane, where they had their most success. Ultimately, the Red Raiders made adjustments from the first half to the second while Michigan never adjusted their attack and as a result, the Red Raiders dominated a game that most expected to come down to the wire.