Texas Tech's basketball team battled foul trouble on Saturday at United Supermarket Arena, but Darrion Williams' great late-inning play helped them hold off No. 11 Baylor 78-68, ending the regular season on a high note.
The Red Raiders (22-9, 11-7) led for much of the game, with the Bears briefly taking a one-point lead. Williams scored the game-winning run, giving Tech a big win.
Warren Washington (foot) missed his fourth consecutive game, but Robert Jennings and Emry Yallajo continued to show improvement as they helped block lanes for the Bears.
Texas Tech basketball continues positive results on road swing
Against two of the worst teams in the Big 12, the Red Raider honed their defensive approach. The question was how these adjustments would hold up against much better competition.
After all, the principles are transferable. Texas Tech continued to be skillful and nasty on defense, finishing the game 16-0.
But those handy tendencies also led to some foul trouble. Pop Isaacs and Darrion Williams each had three fouls by halftime.
But Isaacs suddenly found a rhythm on offense. The sophomore guard led all scorers with 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting and four rebounds.
Baylor entered the game ranked third in the nation in 3-point shooting, but made just 1 of 8 from 3 in the first half, and despite foul trouble, Tech held a 40-27 advantage at halftime. Ta.
Fouls cause big problems
After the Red Raiders led by 16 points early in the second half, Isaacs was whistled for his fourth foul. Shortly after, Williams and Jennings also committed a fourth violation.
In addition to this, the Bears utilized their big bodies in a screen-and-drive game, and Baylor won the game 20-6, cutting the deficit to two points with 7 minutes, 54 seconds to play.
At this point in the game, Baylor had been whistled for 18 fouls and 17 techs, but the Bears had more bodies to spread the whistles around.
Darrion Williams continues his promotion
With the game tied at 56-56, Williams, who committed four fouls, was substituted for Texas Tech.
Williams hits a 3 to start a transition chance, Kerwin Walton makes a 3, hockey assist makes Walton's 3, Jennings drops one in the post and ends an and-1 chance to put Tech up 69-59. He returned to the lead. 3:51 left.
The 13-3 run was enough to close out the regular season with a big win at home.
What's next?
The Big 12 Tournament begins Tuesday at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The final pairings were expected to be announced later Saturday.
