Texas Tech Aims for Higher NCAA Tournament Seeding

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Texas Tech is currently projected as a 4-seed for the upcoming NCAA tournament, but the team has a chance to improve its seeding with a strong finish to the regular season. The Red Raiders have overcome the loss of star forward JT Toppin to an ACL injury and are 3-0 since his absence. With two games remaining, including a tough road matchup against BYU, Texas Tech could jump up to a 3-seed if they win out and get help from other results around the country. However, a poor finish could also see them drop to a 5-seed, as the committee will likely factor in Toppin's absence in their seeding decisions.

Why it matters

Texas Tech's seeding will have a major impact on their path through the NCAA tournament. A higher seed means an easier path to the Sweet 16 and beyond. The Red Raiders are looking to build on their Elite Eight appearance last year and make a deep tournament run, so securing the best possible seed is crucial.

The details

Texas Tech is currently projected as a 4-seed by ESPN's bracketology. To jump up to a 3-seed, the Red Raiders will likely need to win their final two regular season games against TCU and BYU, as well as get some help from other teams above them in the rankings. The teams currently projected ahead of Texas Tech are Kansas, Houston, Nebraska, and Gonzaga. However, the Red Raiders do have a win over Houston earlier this season, and could potentially face Kansas or Houston again in the Big 12 tournament, giving them a chance to improve their resume. On the flip side, a poor finish or early exit in the conference tournament could see Texas Tech drop down to a 5-seed, as the committee will likely weigh the absence of Toppin heavily in their seeding decisions.

• Texas Tech has two regular season games remaining, including a road matchup against BYU on March 4.
• The NCAA tournament field will be announced in two weeks on Selection Sunday, March 17.

What’s next

Texas Tech will need to win their final two regular season games against TCU and BYU to have the best chance of climbing to a 3-seed. Their performance in the Big 12 tournament will also be crucial, as they could potentially face off against higher-ranked teams like Kansas or Houston again.