The No. 3 seed in the West Region Texas Tech(25-8) prepares to take on No. 14 seed UNC Wilmington Seahawks(27-7) in the First Round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. This game will take place Thursday night in Wichita, Kansas.
Texas Tech is looking to rebound from a 1st Round loss in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. As a No. 6 seed, they lost to NC State. The Wolfpack shockingly advanced to the Final Four. UNC Wilmington is returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017. Will the Seahawks pull off a shocking upset and send the Red Raiders home early?
Texas Tech Season Summary
The Red Raiders had a successful season in the Big 12. They lost in the Big 12 Semifinals to the Arizona Wildcats. Texas Tech has been led by a strong offense. They are 29th in points scored, 61st in field goal percentage, and 20th in three-point percentage.
Tech’s defense was also stellar. They are 55th in points allowed, 106th in opposing field goal percentage, and 75th in opposing three-point percentage. Forward JT Toppin is one of the nation’s best players and will be crucial for the Red Raiders if they are to go on a deep NCAA Tournament run.
UNC Wilmington Season Summary
The Seahawks were great in the CAA and won the Conference Tournament to put their dancing shoes on. UNC Wilmington had a strong offense. They are 50th in points scored, 57th in field goal percentage, and 190th in three-point percentage.
UNC Wilmington had a middling defense. They are 116th in points allowed, 121st in field goal percentage, and 177th in opposing three-point percentage. The team’s offense is led by Guard Donovan Newby. He has been helping UNC Wilmington’s offense succeed all season.
Final Thoughts
It is tough to see a path for UNC Wilmington to win this game. Even though their offense was one of the best in the nation, they will face a stiff test in Texas Tech’s defense. The issue for their Seahawks is their weak strength of schedule. Their only Quad 1 or 2 game was an 18-point loss to the Kansas Jayhawks. Texas Tech is 16th in the nation in Strength of Schedule. UNC Wilmington is 197th. Texas Tech has the better roster and is much more battle-tested. The Red Raiders should dominate Thursday night.
