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Texas Tech Faces Akron in NCAA Tournament Opener
Red Raiders look to overcome recent struggles against hot Zips team
Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:09am
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The Texas Tech Red Raiders earned the No. 5 seed in the Midwest region of the 2026 NCAA Tournament and will face the No. 12 seed Akron Zips in the first round. Texas Tech enters the tournament on a three-game losing streak, while Akron has won 19 of its last 20 games. Head coach Grant McCasland acknowledged the challenges his team will face against the hot Zips squad, especially with several players lacking NCAA Tournament experience.
Why it matters
Texas Tech is one of eight Big 12 teams to make the NCAA Tournament field, but the Red Raiders are considered a potential early-round upset pick due to their recent struggles and the loss of star player JT Toppin. A first-round exit would be a disappointing end to their season after earning a high seed.
The details
The Red Raiders will play their first-round game against Akron on Friday. If they win, they would face either the No. 4 seed Alabama Crimson Tide or the No. 13 seed Hofstra Pride in the second round. Akron enters the tournament with a 28-5 record and a 17-1 conference mark, setting a school record for wins in a season. The Zips have secured their fifth consecutive 20-win season and are riding a 10-game conference winning streak.
- Texas Tech earned the No. 5 seed in the Midwest region of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
- The Red Raiders will play their first-round game against Akron on Friday, March 21, 2026.
- Akron enters the tournament with a 28-5 record and a 17-1 conference mark.
The players
Grant McCasland
The head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders men's basketball team.
Christian Anderson
A star guard for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
JT Toppin
A former star player for the Texas Tech Red Raiders who is no longer on the team.
What they’re saying
“We have a few guys that have played in the NCAA Tournament, but quite a few that have never played. The excitement of it is always a blast and then to see where you're going and playing against. We're playing an awesome Akron team that's won 19 of their last 20 games, so they know how to win. Coach Grose, I've been familiar with his teams; they're always going to play well. It'd be awesome, great opportunity.”
— Grant McCasland, Head Coach, Texas Tech Red Raiders
“Just the level of intensity you need every game. Like I said, different players, different teams, different coaches, it's just all going to be different. Having the ability to adjust and trust in your work and be confident is the main thing.”
— Christian Anderson, Guard, Texas Tech Red Raiders
What’s next
The winner of the Texas Tech-Akron matchup will face either the No. 4 seed Alabama Crimson Tide or the No. 13 seed Hofstra Pride in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The takeaway
Texas Tech faces a tough challenge in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament against a hot Akron team, especially with several players lacking tournament experience. The Red Raiders will need to overcome their recent struggles and inconsistent play to avoid an early upset and advance in the tournament.
