The rivalry between Kansas and Texas Tech in basketball is a highly competitive and intense one, with both teams consistently competing at a high level in the Big 12 Conference. The two teams have a rich history of competition, with their rivalry dating back to the 1990s.
Kansas, one of the most storied programs in college basketball, has a long history of success, with three NCAA championships and 20 Final Four appearances. The Jayhawks have been a dominant force in the Big 12, winning 18 regular-season championships and 12 conference tournament titles.
Texas Tech, on the other hand, has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with the Red Raiders becoming a consistent threat in the Big 12. Under the leadership of head coach Chris Beard, Texas Tech has become a perennial top-25 program, with two Elite Eight appearances in the last three years.
The Early Years of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Kansas and Texas Tech began in the 1990s, when both teams joined the Big 12 Conference. In the early years of the rivalry, Kansas was the dominant team, with the Jayhawks winning 10 of the first 12 meetings between the two teams.
However, Texas Tech began to gain traction in the early 2000s, with the Red Raiders winning three of four meetings between the two teams from 2002 to 2005. This was a turning point in the rivalry, as Texas Tech began to establish itself as a legitimate threat to Kansas' dominance in the Big 12.
Notable Games in the Rivalry
There have been several notable games in the Kansas-Texas Tech rivalry over the years. One of the most memorable games was in 2005, when Texas Tech defeated Kansas 80-79 in overtime in Lubbock. This was a significant upset, as Kansas was ranked No. 2 in the country at the time.
Another notable game was in 2011, when Kansas defeated Texas Tech 80-68 in the Big 12 Tournament championship game. This was a dominant performance by the Jayhawks, who were led by All-American forward Marcus Morris.
In recent years, the rivalry has intensified, with both teams competing at a high level in the Big 12. In 2019, Texas Tech defeated Kansas 62-59 in a thrilling game in Lubbock, with the Red Raiders' Davide Moretti hitting a game-winning three-pointer with 2.5 seconds remaining.
Coaching Rivalry
The coaching rivalry between Kansas' Bill Self and Texas Tech's Chris Beard has been a significant factor in the intensity of the rivalry. Both coaches have a high level of respect for each other, but they also have a strong desire to win.
Self, who has been at Kansas since 2003, is one of the most successful coaches in college basketball, with a 744-223 record and two NCAA championships. Beard, who has been at Texas Tech since 2016, has quickly established himself as one of the top coaches in the Big 12, with a 124-44 record and two Elite Eight appearances.
The two coaches have a strong rivalry on and off the court, with Self praising Beard's ability to motivate his players and Beard admiring Self's ability to adapt to different situations.
Impact on the Big 12 Conference
The rivalry between Kansas and Texas Tech has had a significant impact on the Big 12 Conference. The two teams have consistently competed at a high level, with both teams often ranking in the top 10 nationally.
The rivalry has also led to an increase in interest in the Big 12, with games between Kansas and Texas Tech often being broadcast nationally on ESPN or CBS. The two teams have also had a significant impact on the conference standings, with the winner of the game often having a significant advantage in the conference standings.
In addition, the rivalry has led to an increase in recruiting interest in the Big 12, with top recruits often choosing to play for either Kansas or Texas Tech.
Championships and Awards
Both Kansas and Texas Tech have experienced a high level of success in the Big 12 Conference, with both teams winning numerous championships and awards.
Kansas has won 18 regular-season championships and 12 conference tournament titles, while Texas Tech has won two regular-season championships and one conference tournament title.
Individual awards have also been plentiful for both teams, with Kansas' Joel Embiid and Texas Tech's Jarrett Culver both winning the Big 12 Player of the Year award in recent years.
Community Involvement
Both Kansas and Texas Tech have a strong commitment to community involvement, with both teams often participating in charity events and community outreach programs.
The two teams have also been involved in several high-profile charity games, with Kansas and Texas Tech playing each other in the 2018 Hoops for Heroes game, which raised over $100,000 for the United Service Organizations (USO).
In addition, both teams have a strong commitment to academics, with Kansas and Texas Tech both ranking in the top 10 nationally in terms of graduation rates for student-athletes.
We hope you've enjoyed this in-depth look at the Kansas vs Texas Tech basketball rivalry. Let us know in the comments which team you think will come out on top in their next matchup!
What is the history of the Kansas-Texas Tech rivalry?
+The Kansas-Texas Tech rivalry dates back to the 1990s, when both teams joined the Big 12 Conference. The two teams have a rich history of competition, with Kansas being the dominant team in the early years of the rivalry.
Who are some notable players in the Kansas-Texas Tech rivalry?
+Some notable players in the Kansas-Texas Tech rivalry include Kansas' Joel Embiid and Texas Tech's Jarrett Culver, both of whom won the Big 12 Player of the Year award in recent years.
What is the coaching rivalry like between Bill Self and Chris Beard?
+The coaching rivalry between Bill Self and Chris Beard is a highly competitive and intense one, with both coaches having a high level of respect for each other but also a strong desire to win.