UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, No. 19 Texas Tech shocked third-ranked Duke with a stunning 17-point comeback, winning 82-81 at Madison Square Garden on December 9, 2023. This dramatic victory marks Texas Tech’s first-ever win against Duke in their history.
With just 3.4 seconds left on the clock, Christian Anderson converted a tiebreaking free throw after being fouled by Caleb Foster. Although Anderson missed his second attempt, the Red Raiders secured a crucial rebound, leading to pandemonium as players erupted from the bench in celebration.
Duke, which held a commanding 58-41 lead with just over 16 minutes remaining, faced its first loss after leading by at least 17 points since February 2007. The Blue Devils, now 11-1 this season, had been riding a nine-game winning streak at MSG.
Anderson, who scored 23 of his 27 points in the second half, played a pivotal role in the comeback. His three-point play with 1:14 remaining gave Texas Tech an 81-77 lead, showcasing his clutch performance under pressure.
Despite a late surge from Duke, including a key 3-pointer from Cayden Boozer, the Blue Devils couldn’t reclaim the lead. They had an opportunity to tie the game with just 18 seconds left but fell short after Cameron Boozer’s final shot missed the mark, potentially after the buzzer.
LeJuan Watts also shined for Texas Tech, scoring 20 points before fouling out with 11:33 left in the game. The Red Raiders shot an impressive 55.2% from the field, while Duke managed 51.9%9-3), snapping a six-game losing streak against AP-ranked teams and marking their first win over a top-five opponent since defeating No. 1 Baylor in January 2022. As the Red Raiders celebrate this historic win, they look to build momentum for the remainder of the season.
WHAT’S NEXT: Fans and analysts will be watching closely as Texas Tech prepares for upcoming matchups, hoping this victory serves as a turning point for the season.