Darrion Williams did everything he could to end the No. 23 Texas Tech basketball team's losing streak at three with a 66-59 win over UCF on Saturday at United Supermarket Arena.
With this win, the Red Raiders improved to 17-6 overall and 6-4 in Big 12 play. The Knights fell to 13-9 and 4-6, respectively.
Williams sparked a low-scoring contest, posting a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds as Tech's high-scoring guards struggled. Kerwin Walton's four 3-pointers and 12 points in the first half provided an early cushion, and Williams took over in the second half.
Deep roster helps Texas Tech basketball get off to a good start
It's been a while since the Red Raiders had a full roster, but all were available for Saturday's game. With Warren Washington back on the floor, Tech jumped out to a 29-19 lead and entered the break with a 31-25 advantage.
Washington scored the team's first four points and countered with thorough defensive denial.
defensive battle on both sides
UCF is known for two things. It's poor offense and great defense. This work shows both.
Tech held a six-point lead at halftime, but lead guards Pop Isaacs, Joe Toussaint and Chance McMillian made 1-of-16 field goals. Isaacs contributed in other ways, recording five of the team's 10 assists (12 makes) in the break, and Toussaint had two steals on defense.
Both teams shot in the low 30s in the first half, with UCF hitting 1-of-14 from 3-point range in the first 20 minutes. Tech, on the other hand, struggled to make shots near the rim even though Ibrahima Diallo, the Knights' 7-foot shot-blocking center, was out for the game.
Darrion Williams leads the way.
Texas Tech's versatile forward Darrion Williams has earned the most minutes in Big 12 play, and that's because of his ability to do a little bit of everything.
Williams showed it against the Knights and the Red Raiders needed it while the guard struggled to find his groove. In one sequence, Williams took advantage of a missed bucket by Isaacs, grabbed another rebound, and then sent a beautiful bounce pass to McMillian in transition, who carried the ball to the cup for a five-point lead.
His mid-range jumper with 1:52 left gave the Red Raiders a bit of a jolt, allowing the team to hang on and end their losing streak.
What's next?
The Red Raiders will remain in the Lubbock area amid a predicted snowstorm and will face Kansas State on Big Monday at 8 p.m. Grant Gilbert will perform at halftime and his fans are encouraged to wear white.
