UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, No. 19 Texas Tech shocked unbeaten No. 3 Duke with an astonishing 17-point rally, clinching an 82-81 victory at Madison Square Garden on December 9, 2023. Christian Anderson delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 23 of his 27 points in the second half, including a decisive free throw with just 3.4 seconds remaining.
The Red Raiders, who trailed by 17 points at one stage, fought back to secure their first-ever victory against Duke in three meetings. This win marks a significant turnaround for Texas Tech, improving their record to 9-3 and snapping a six-game losing streak against AP-ranked teams.
With the game on the line, Anderson was fouled by Caleb Foster, converting the first part of a 1-and-1 free throw opportunity while missing the second. Isaiah Evans secured the rebound, and Duke called a timeout to devise a final play. However, Cameron Boozer’s 3-point attempt missed the mark, possibly after the final horn, leaving the Red Raiders jubilant.
Duke, now 11-1, led the game 58-41 with 16.5 minutes left but faltered, marking their first loss after holding a 17-point lead since February 2007. Anderson’s clutch three-point play gave Texas Tech an 81-77 lead with just over a minute remaining, showcasing their resilience and determination.
LeJuan Watts contributed 20 points for Texas Tech before fouling out, while JT Toppin added 19 points and 10 rebounds. The Red Raiders shot an impressive 55.2% from the field, proving their mettle against a formidable opponent.
Duke’s Cameron Boozer led his team with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, but his struggles at the free-throw line—missing five out of 14 attempts—proved costly. Cayden Boozer provided support off the bench with 13 points, but Duke’s grip on the game slipped in the critical final minutes.
This defeat comes as a shock to a Blue Devils team that had previously won nine straight games at Madison Square Garden. Texas Tech’s victory not only boosts their confidence but also serves as a significant statement against top-tier competition.
As fans celebrate this thrilling upset, all eyes will be on Texas Tech as they look to build momentum in upcoming matchups. The Red Raiders have proven they can rally against the odds, and they are now a team to watch in the weeks ahead.
