Grant McCasland Praises Kansas Atmosphere, Prepares for Tough Matchup in Lawrence

As Texas Tech gears up for one of the most challenging road environments in college basketball, head coach Grant McCasland didn’t hold back in praising Kansas’ legendary home-court advantage and the job that Coach Bill Self has done to maintain the Jayhawks’ dominance.

“Another tremendous atmosphere at Kansas. Just the run that Coach Self has, and what he’s continued that tradition on,” McCasland said in a media session ahead of Texas Tech’s upcoming game in Lawrence on Saturday.

McCasland and the Red Raiders are no strangers to hostile environments, but Allen Fieldhouse presents a unique challenge. With its decades-long tradition of sellout crowds, deafening noise levels, and a championship pedigree, it remains one of the most intimidating venues in college basketball.

Texas Tech, currently battling for position in a highly competitive Big 12 conference race, understands that this game could have massive implications for their NCAA Tournament resume and conference standings. As McCasland and his staff prepare the Red Raiders, their approach centers around mental toughness, game tempo, and defensive execution—all of which will be tested against one of the nation’s top programs.

Respect for Kansas and Coach Self

McCasland has long admired Bill Self’s consistency and ability to sustain success at Kansas. Under Self, the Jayhawks have won multiple Big 12 titles, national championships, and maintained an elite level of play for two decades.

“The way they play, how they defend, and how they execute in close games—it’s something we have to be prepared for. You know what you’re going to get when you step into Allen Fieldhouse, and it’s a battle for 40 minutes,” McCasland added.

Self has built a reputation for developing talent, adapting his style to his personnel, and keeping Kansas at the top of the college basketball world year after year. This season is no different, as the Jayhawks are once again a legitimate national contender, blending veteran leadership with high-profile recruits.

One of the biggest challenges McCasland’s squad will face is Kansas’ ability to control tempo and capitalize on mistakes. The Jayhawks thrive in transition, execute at a high level in the half-court, and rarely beat themselves—traits that make them especially dangerous at home.

Texas Tech’s Mindset Heading Into Lawrence

McCasland emphasized that the Red Raiders’ success on Saturday will depend on their mental toughness and ability to execute under pressure.

1. Handling the Atmosphere

Allen Fieldhouse is widely regarded as one of the loudest and most intense environments in college basketball. The crowd’s energy, combined with Kansas’ ability to go on quick scoring runs, often leads to teams unraveling in key moments.

To combat this, McCasland is preaching composure and poise to his players.

“We have to embrace the challenge, stay disciplined, and not let the crowd dictate our play. It’s about execution, not emotion,” he said.

Texas Tech has faced tough road environments before, but Lawrence is a different beast. The Red Raiders will need to weather early Kansas runs and avoid mental lapses that lead to scoring droughts.

2. Defensive Execution

McCasland has built his reputation on strong defensive principles, and Texas Tech’s success in this game will hinge on how well they can disrupt Kansas’ offensive rhythm.

The Jayhawks have a balanced offensive attack, featuring:

• A dynamic backcourt that can score and facilitate.
• A versatile frontcourt that thrives in both the post and transition.
• Deadly shooters who can space the floor.

For Texas Tech, the keys defensively will be:

• Limiting second-chance opportunities – Kansas thrives on the offensive glass.
• Forcing contested shots – The Red Raiders can’t allow easy buckets in the paint.
• Defensive communication – Rotations must be sharp to prevent Kansas from exploiting mismatches.

If McCasland’s team can force Kansas into tough shots and control the boards, they’ll have a chance to slow down the Jayhawks’ momentum.

3. Taking Smart Shots and Controlling the Tempo

Texas Tech cannot afford to get into a track meet with Kansas. The Jayhawks excel in fast-break situations, and if the Red Raiders take rushed or bad shots, they will quickly find themselves playing from behind.

“We have to be smart with our possessions. Good shot selection and limiting turnovers will be huge for us,” McCasland emphasized.

To have success, Texas Tech will need:

• Patient offensive possessions that create high-percentage looks.
• Strong ball security to prevent Kansas from getting transition opportunities.
• A controlled pace to avoid feeding into the Jayhawks’ up-tempo attack.

One of Texas Tech’s strengths is its ability to play tough, physical basketball, and that will need to be on display if they hope to pull off the upset.

Final Thoughts: Can Texas Tech Pull Off the Upset?

While Kansas is the clear favorite, Texas Tech is capable of competing if they execute their game plan. The keys to the game will be:

• Staying composed in the hostile environment.
• Defensive discipline and rebounding.
• Smart offensive execution to limit Kansas’ transition opportunities.

McCasland’s respect for Allen Fieldhouse, Bill Self, and the Jayhawks’ tradition is evident, but he and his players are not backing down from the challenge.

“It’s one of the best atmospheres in college basketball, but we’re here to compete. We’re here to win,” McCasland said.

If Texas Tech can bring their best defensive effort and stay poised in key moments, they have a shot at one of the biggest wins of their season.

With March Madness approaching, every game matters—and a road win in Lawrence could be a statement victory for McCasland’s Red Raiders.