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Texas Tech basketball: The 5 defining games of Ronald Ross’ career

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - MARCH 07: An Under Armour basketball sits on the court during a timeout during the first half of the college basketball game against the Kansas Jayhawks on March 07, 2020 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - MARCH 07: An Under Armour basketball sits on the court during a timeout during the first half of the college basketball game against the Kansas Jayhawks on March 07, 2020 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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The Texas Tech Red Raiders fans storm the court. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
The Texas Tech Red Raiders fans storm the court. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

Ross helps engineer an upset of No. 2 Kansas

Ronald Ross was not the hero when his team toppled No. 2 Kansas in Lubbock on Valentine’s Day of 2005.  However, he was a huge part of the 80-79 double-OT win.

We all know that the unforgettable game-winning 3-pointer from forward Darryl Dora is the singular moment from that classic victory.  Meanwhile, freshman Martin Zeno led the Red Raiders with 24 points.

Thus, Ronald Ross’ 21 points could be easily forgotten.  But make no mistake, Tech would not have prevailed had the point guard not been at his best.

Playing 49 of the game’s 50 minutes, Ross hit 10 of 15 shots from the floor.  In addition, he led his team in rebounds with 11 and assists with 7.

All game long, Ross and Zeno torched KU by perfectly executing Bob Knight’s motion offense.  That duo was deadly in the mid-range game with Zeno getting most of his offense along the baseline and Ross doing work from the top of the key.

In the game, Tech used only one backup guard, Luquente White, and he played just two minutes.  Thus, Ross was asked to run the show against the No. 2 team in the nation for the entirety of a double-OT game that was tight the whole way and he did so masterfully.

A huge key in the win was Tech committing only 10 turnovers.  Ross was integral in that regard as well as he committed just two.

When we talk about this Red Raider classic, we will always remember Dora’s improbable shot.  But without the work of Ronald Ross, Tech would never have been in position to win the game in the first place.

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