Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Drake Bulldogs Picks and Predictions March 22nd 2025

Coaching Brotherhood on Hold as Texas Tech Battles Drake

Two of college basketball’s brightest young minds will temporarily set aside their friendship as No. 3 seed Texas Tech squares off against 11th-seeded Drake in a compelling second-round West Region matchup on Saturday in Wichita, Kansas.

Texas Tech (26-8) is gunning for its fourth Sweet 16 appearance in seven NCAA Tournaments, and head coach Grant McCasland is eager to lead the program there for the first time under his tenure. But standing in his way is not just any opponent—it’s his longtime friend and coaching confidant, Drake’s Ben McCollum.

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The bond between McCasland and McCollum goes back decades, forged during their early coaching days in the junior-college circuit. They’ve shared basketball philosophies, stories, and even a trout fishing trip in Wyoming. But come Saturday, it’s all business.

“He’s going to try to beat us. We will try to beat him. It’s all love… but afterwards it’s all love,” said McCollum.

“I love him, but you know, when you play him, it’s different,” McCasland added. “We’ll always be friends, but Saturday, I guess, it will be on.”

Underdog Bulldogs Keep Dancing

Drake (31-3) stunned No. 6 Missouri with a 67-57 upset and brings serious momentum into this matchup. The Bulldogs are riding a wave of confidence, having won 19 of their past 20 games. Much of that success stems from McCollum’s bold decision to bring four of his Division II players with him from Northwest Missouri State—a group that’s transformed Drake into a tournament threat.

Among them is Bennett Stirtz, the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, who averages 19.2 points, 5.6 assists, and leads the team in steals. He dropped 21 points against Missouri, the in-state program that didn’t recruit him in high school.

“I guess my super power is finding winners, finding tough kids, and believing in them,” said McCollum. “I kind of expected this. I would be lying if I said I didn’t.”

The Bulldogs’ unorthodox path and fearless style make them a dangerous opponent, especially with seasoned players like Daniel Abreu, Mitch Mascari, and Isaiah Jackson playing vital roles.

Texas Tech Has Firepower of Its Own

Texas Tech looked sharp in its 82-72 win over UNC Wilmington, powered by a breakout performance from Kerwin Walton. Walton torched the nets for 27 points, including eight three-pointers—just one shy of the school record.

“If I felt like it was green, it was green, and that’s all I thought about,” Walton said. “Just getting it up. If I miss, I’m going to hit the next one.”

Alongside Walton, Big 12 Player of the Year JT Toppin continues to anchor the Red Raiders. Toppin posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, and he’s been the steady presence all season with averages of 17.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.

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With March Madness heating up, this is one game where strategy, storylines, and friendships collide.

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