Texas Tech HC Grant McCasland Praises Team’s Grit After Dominant Win Over West Virginia
Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland had high praise for his team following their emphatic 73-51 victory over West Virginia, emphasizing the toughness and resilience his players displayed. The Red Raiders, now gaining momentum at a crucial point in the season, showcased their ability to grind through a physical matchup, proving they have what it takes to compete at a high level in the Big 12.
McCasland on the Team’s Grit
After the game, McCasland highlighted the importance of perseverance in conference play, particularly against a West Virginia team known for its relentless intensity.
“West Virginia was one of those teams that fight you consistently, and I thought tonight, our grit to play in the second half was significant and showed what you have to be like this time of year,” McCasland said.
Texas Tech’s ability to wear down their opponent and pull away in the second half demonstrated their growing maturity as a team. With the win, the Red Raiders solidified their place in the upper tier of the Big 12 standings, reinforcing their potential as a legitimate threat in postseason play.
A Statement Win in the Big 12
Facing a scrappy West Virginia squad that has been known to challenge opponents physically, Texas Tech set the tone early with strong defensive pressure and disciplined play. The game was competitive in the first half, but the Red Raiders pulled away after halftime, outscoring the Mountaineers by a significant margin.
Texas Tech’s defense played a crucial role, holding West Virginia to just 51 points, one of their lowest outputs of the season. The Red Raiders forced turnovers, contested shots, and made it difficult for the Mountaineers to establish any rhythm on offense.
Second-Half Surge
While the first half saw both teams battling in a tight contest, Texas Tech’s performance after the break separated them from West Virginia. The Red Raiders executed their game plan efficiently, increasing defensive pressure and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. Their ability to control the boards and push the tempo allowed them to build a comfortable lead, ultimately securing the dominant victory.
Players like [Insert Key Players] stepped up big, contributing both offensively and defensively to fuel the Red Raiders’ second-half dominance. The team’s energy and commitment to making winning plays were evident, aligning with McCasland’s emphasis on grit and resilience.
Texas Tech’s Defensive Identity
Throughout the season, McCasland has stressed the importance of defense as the foundation of the team’s success. Against West Virginia, that identity was on full display. The Red Raiders forced multiple turnovers, limited second-chance points, and made life difficult for the Mountaineers in the paint.
By suffocating West Virginia’s offensive attack, Texas Tech sent a clear message to the rest of the conference: they are a team built for the grind of Big 12 basketball. Their ability to maintain defensive intensity for 40 minutes will be a key factor in their push for postseason success.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Texas Tech continues to build momentum as they approach the latter part of the regular season. The victory over West Virginia serves as both a confidence booster and a testament to the team’s ability to execute under pressure.
As the Red Raiders prepare for their upcoming matchups, McCasland and his squad know the challenges will only intensify. The Big 12 is one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, and every game presents an opportunity to prove their resilience and readiness for March Madness.
“Our guys understand what’s at stake,” McCasland added. “This time of year, it’s all about finding ways to win, and I thought we did a great job of that tonight.”
Texas Tech fans have every reason to be excited about the direction of the program under McCasland’s leadership. With each game, the Red Raiders are showing that they have the toughness, depth, and discipline to make noise in the conference and beyond.
As the postseason looms, Texas Tech’s ability to embrace McCasland’s gritty mentality will be the key to their success. If they continue to play with the intensity they displayed against West Virginia, the Red Raiders could be a dangerous team come tournament time.