Texas Tech Red Raiders news: Basketball and softball have huge opportunities, baseball on the road, and more

Here is your news roundup for Friday, March 15, 2024.

Texas Tech basketball to face No. 1 Houston

There's little time for the Texas Tech basketball team to enjoy yesterday's 81-67 win over BYU at the Big 12 Tournament. That's because today, the Red Raiders have a meeting with the nation's No. 1 team, Houston.

The Cougars are almost certain to be a No. 1 seed in next week's NCAA Tournament so a victory today would be an incredible feat. It would also boost Texas Tech's tournament resume and could result in an improved seeding for the Red Raiders in the Big Dance.

Earlier this year, Houston won the only matchup between these teams. In the 77-54 Cougar win, the Red Raiders were thoroughly dominated in Houston as they scored the fewest points they have all season. That's not a surprise given that the Cougars are the top defensive team in the country. Hopefully, the Red Raiders can flip the script today in Kansas City.

Texas Tech softball takes on No. 1 Oklahoma

Following two mid-week wins over the New Mexico Lobos, the Texas Tech softball team will be at home this weekend with a huge opportunity of their own. Facing the No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners for three games beginning on Friday, the Red Raiders can show that they are to be considered a factor in the Big 12 and a threat to make the NCAA Tournament.

It won't be easy though. The Sooners are 24-1 overall and 3-0 in Big 12 play. Of course, they have won the last three National Championships and are the heavy favorites to do the same this year.

The Sooners have six hitters batting over .400 on the season and each of their pitchers has an ERA below 1.70. Meanwhile, Tech ranks 2nd in the country for doubles (53), 10th in homers (35), 12th in slugging (.575), 12th in runs per game (7.09), and 30th for batting average (.326). On defense, the Red Raiders rank t-1st in double plays (17), 5th in double plays per game (.65) and 41st in fielding percentage (.972) (according to TexasTech.com).

Texas Tech baseball travles to Waco

On the other end of the spectrum is the task awaiting the Texas Tech baseball team this weekend. Traveling to Waco, Tim Tadlock's team is set to tangle with a bad Baylor squad for a three-game set beginning on Friday.

Baylor is just 5-11 on the season and enters Friday 0-3 in Big 12 play after being swept by Houston last weekend. Meanwhile, the Red Raiders are riding a modest two-game win streak after taking both games of a mid-week series against New Mexico State in Lubbock this week.

After dropping two of three games to Texas last weekend, the Red Raiders need to sweep this series to stay in early contention in the Big 12 race. This is an opportunity for Tadlock's team to get right against one of the worst teams in the conference and the Red Raiders would be wise to take advantage.

More NCAA News

A group of 12 female college athletes, led by former Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, has sued the NCAA alleging that allowing transgendered athletes to compete in women's sports violated their Title IX rights.

The lawsuit said the plaintiffs “bring this case to secure for future generations of women the promise of Title IX that is being denied them and other college women” by the NCAA.

“College sports are the premier stage for women’s sports in America, and while the NCAA does not comment on pending litigation, the Association and its members will continue to promote Title IX, make unprecedented investments in women’s sports, and ensure fair competition in all NCAA championships,” the NCAA said in a statement.

Oklahoma State has fired head basketball coach Mike Boynton after seven seasons on the job. Despite recruiting well, Boynton got the Cowboys to the NCA Tournament just once during his tenure in Stillwater.

In his seven seasons, the 42-year-old was 119-109 overall and just 51-75 in Big 12 play. This season, OSU finished 12-20 overall and 4-14 in the Big 12.

Also, Stanford basketball has fired Jerod Haase. Haase posted just two winning seasons at Stanford and Haase posted a 126-127 record overall, going 28-37 the past two seasons. Stanford managed a winning record in conference play only once under Haase in 2018 and never even made it as far as the Pac-12 semifinals nor did the program reach the NCAA Tournament under Haase's guidance.