Texas Tech fans react in wildly different ways to loss to NC State

Texas Tech basketball fan reactions to Thursday's loss to NC State ran the gamut from optimism to defeat to just pure anger.
Texas Tech fans storm the court after the team's win against Texas in a Big 12 basketball game,
Texas Tech fans storm the court after the team's win against Texas in a Big 12 basketball game, / Annie Rice/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY
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As you might expect, the views and opinions expressed by Texas Tech basketball fans were all over the place following Thursday's 80-67 loss to the NC State Wolfpack in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Some, including former Red Raider player Brandone Francis, were rather optimistic about the future of the program.

Certainly, those who are deciding to look on the bright side have reason to do so. Tech was picked to finish 8th in the Big 12 preseason poll and wound up tied for third in the regular-season race. Even just getting a bid to the Big Dance was a step in the right direction in year on under Grant McCasland.

However, other fans were angry over the way the team performed. After all, the Red Raiders put forth one of their worst efforts of the season on Thursday. What's more, they spoiled a golden opportunity to get to the Sweet 16 in Dallas. All they had to do was beat a No. 11 and a No. 14 seed to have that chance and they wet the bed instead. That left many Red Raider fans cynical and snarky.

Texas Tech fans must keep in mind that NC State is one of the hottest teams in the nation. They have now won six straight postseason games this year with two of those wins last week coming over a current No. 4 seed Duke and a current No. 1 seed in North Carolina.

What's more, the Wolfpack was a bad matchup for Tech. With three skilled big men, NC State was able to exploit the Red Raiders greatest weakness (the lack of size in the post) like few teams this year had done.

Of course, Tech didn't do itself any favors by shooting 7-31 from 3-point range and by getting to the free-throw line only 14 times on the night. Still, I said from the moment that this game was announced that it was a tough matchup for Tech and that proved to be true.

So be angry if you want to be. Be optimistic about the future if that helps you cope. Be whatever you feel like being because that's your right as a fan. Just always be a Red Raider because that's what brings us all together time and time again.

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