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Texas Tech Faces Akron in NCAA First Round Showdown

3/21/2026

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Texas Tech Faces Akron

Texas Tech Red Raiders will face the Akron Zips in the NCAA Tournament first round on March 20, 2026, at 12:40 p.m. ET in Tampa, Florida.
Texas Tech is the No. 5 seed with a 22-10 record.
JT Toppin is out with an ACL injury.
Akron Zips are the No. 12 seed with a 29-5 record.
The winner will face Alabama or Hofstra in the next round.

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Texas Tech Advances

Texas Tech University women's basketball team faces Villanova in the NCAA Tournament on March 20, 2026, as the No. 10 seed with a 25-7 record.
Krista Gerlich coaches Texas Tech in its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2013.
Bailey Maupin and Snudda Collins average 15.1 and 14.8 points per game, respectively.
The Red Raiders allow 58.1 points per game and rank second in the Big 12, aiming to rebound after the Big 12 tournament exit.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, enhancing participation and viewership in college basketball. This year's tournament features Texas Tech University as a No. 5 seed, reflecting increased competitiveness. Additionally, the women's team returns for the first time since 2013, underscoring the growing prominence of women's sports and the ongoing evolution of collegiate athletics.

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Texas Tech Faces Akron

Texas Tech Red Raiders will face the Akron Zips in the NCAA Tournament first round on March 20, 2026, at 12:40 p.m. ET in Tampa, Florida.
Texas Tech is the No. 5 seed with a 22-10 record.
JT Toppin is out with an ACL injury.
Akron Zips are the No. 12 seed with a 29-5 record.
The winner will face Alabama or Hofstra in the next round.

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