Texas Tech Stuns No. 3 Duke with Last-Second Comeback Victory

BREAKING: In a stunning turn of events, No. 19 Texas Tech surged back from a 17-point deficit to defeat third-ranked Duke 82-81 on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. The game ended dramatically as Christian Anderson scored 23 of his 27 points in the second half, including a crucial free throw with just 3.4 seconds left.

With Duke leading 58-41 and just over 16 minutes remaining, the Red Raiders mounted an impressive comeback, marking a significant upset. Anderson was fouled by Caleb Foster and converted the first of a one-and-one free throw opportunity, narrowly missing the second. The tension escalated as Isaiah Evans grabbed the rebound, setting up Duke for a final play.

After a timeout, Duke attempted a last-minute shot by Cameron Boozer, but his 3-pointer bounced off the rim, possibly after the buzzer. Texas Tech players erupted in celebration as the victory not only improved their record to 9-3 but also ended a six-game losing streak against ranked teams. This win marks the first time Texas Tech has triumphed over Duke in their history, having lost all previous three matchups.

Duke, now 11-1, faced a bitter disappointment as this was their first loss after leading by such a large margin since February 2007 against Florida State. Anderson’s pivotal three-point play put Texas Tech ahead 81-77 with just over a minute left, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

In a thrilling finish, Cayden Boozer hit a corner three for Duke, and his twin brother Cameron made one of two free throws shortly after, tying the game at 81 with 18 seconds remaining. Despite Duke’s efforts, LeJuan Watts contributed 20 points for Texas Tech before fouling out with 11:33 left in the game.

Texas Tech shot an impressive 55.2% from the field, with JT Toppin stepping up to score 19 points and grab 10 rebounds. This victory is a significant boost for Texas Tech’s confidence, especially against top-tier opponents, having previously struggled with a 1-3 record against ranked teams this season.

Officials and fans alike are buzzing about this unexpected outcome, looking ahead to how both teams will respond in their upcoming games. Duke, who had won nine consecutive games at Madison Square Garden, will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next challenge.

This electrifying match not only highlights Texas Tech’s resilience but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball. Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences surrounding this memorable game.