Arkansas falls to Texas Tech in Sweet Sixteen 85-83

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KATV) — The No. 3 Texas Tech Red Raiders pulled off the second-largest comeback in the history of the Sweet Sixteen to defeat the No. 10 Arkansas Razorbacks 85-83.

In a game where it looked like Arkansas would coast to a victory, Texas Tech ratcheted up the competition in the closing minutes to tie the game at 72.

The Razorbacks held a lead as high as 16 at one point in the second half. The Red Raiders ended regulation on a 16-3 run after a failed attempt by Arkansas Guard DJ Wagner sent the game into overtime.

But, Wagner, with less than 30 seconds left, hit a tough layup to tie the game at 83. But a quick shot by Texas Tech would seal the deal at 85-83.

The Red Raiders spoiled Arkansas guard Johnell Davis’s outstanding performance as he put up a season-high 30 points.

The Hogs shot at a higher percentage than the Red Raiders, but only by .5%. The Razorbacks were outrebounded by Texas Tech 51-39, including 22-11 on offensive boards.

The Red Raiders did more when Arkansas turned the ball over, as they had 18 points off turnovers to the Hogs’ 3. Texas Tech was outmatched in size, but they still managed to put up 50 points in the paint to Arkansas’s 30.

Karter Knox was key in Arkansas’s strong run midway through the second half as he finished with 20 points on 6-8 shooting.

Texas Tech had three players score 20+ points as forwards JT Toppin and Darrion Williams each put up 20, while guard Christian Anderson scored 22.

The Red Raiders will play the No. 1 Florida Gators this weekend in the Elite Eight.

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