Texas Tech to Face Akron in NCAA Tournament Round One

Red Raiders draw #5 seed in Midwest Region, set to take on #12 Akron on Friday

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:05pm

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The Texas Tech men's basketball team has earned a spot in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, drawing the #5 seed in the Midwest Region. They will face off against #12 seed Akron in the first round on Friday in Tampa, Florida. Texas Tech is making its 22nd NCAA Tournament appearance, led by head coach Grant McCasland, who emphasized the team's focus on preparing for the dangerous 5-12 matchup.

Why it matters

Texas Tech has become a consistent NCAA Tournament team under McCasland's leadership, making the Big Dance for the third straight year. These 5-12 matchups are often unpredictable, providing an early test for higher-seeded teams looking to make a deep tournament run.

The details

Texas Tech finished the regular season with a 22-10 record and will take on an Akron squad that earned an at-large bid to the tournament. The winner of the Texas Tech-Akron game will advance to face either #4 Alabama or #13 Hofstra in the second round on Sunday.

  • The Texas Tech-Akron game will tip off on Friday, March 21, 2026 at approximately 11:40 a.m. ET.
  • Texas Tech is making its 22nd NCAA Tournament appearance as a program.

The players

Grant McCasland

The head coach of the Texas Tech men's basketball team, guiding the Red Raiders to their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance.

Akron

The #12 seed in the Midwest Region, earning an at-large bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“It's an expectation here that we are playing in the NCAA Tournament. Not only to play in it, but to win and make a run. These 5-12 games are always dangerous, any way you look at it. I think Akron is a really strong team. We can't worry about anything besides getting better over these next few days as a group.”

— Grant McCasland, Texas Tech Head Coach (awesome98.com)

What’s next

The winner of the Texas Tech-Akron game will advance to play the winner of #4 Alabama and #13 Hofstra in the second round on Sunday, March 23, 2026.

The takeaway

Texas Tech's consistent NCAA Tournament appearances under McCasland have raised the expectations for the program, as they look to navigate a potentially tricky 5-12 matchup against a tough Akron squad in the opening round.