### Texas Tech's Remarkable Comeback: A Historic Upset Over Duke On December 21, 2025, the No. 19 Texas Tech Red Raiders achieved a stunning victory against the No. 3 Duke Blue Devils, overcoming a 17-point deficit in the second half to win 82-81 at Madison Square Garden. This match marked Duke's first loss of the season, as Texas Tech showcased resilience despite facing significant challenges, including foul trouble and injuries to key players. Christian Anderson emerged as the star of the game, scoring 23 of his 27 points in the second half, including a crucial free throw that sealed the victory with just 3.4 seconds remaining on the clock [https://apnews.com/article/texas-tech-duke-comeback-anderson-toppin-boozer-55b55d8d53c071661b0b777af35a7218]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Context and Significance** - Texas Tech entered the game ranked 19th, while Duke was undefeated and ranked 3rd. - The match took place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, adding to its significance. 2. **Critical Moments and Player Performances** - Christian Anderson's second-half performance was pivotal, scoring 23 points. - J.T. Toppin contributed significantly despite foul trouble, finishing with 19 points. - Duke's Cameron Boozer led his team with 23 points, but it wasn't enough to secure a win. 3. **Challenges Faced by Texas Tech** - The Red Raiders dealt with foul trouble, losing LeJuan Watts to fouls and JT Toppin being close to fouling out. - Injuries to other players could have derailed their performance, but the team rallied together. 4. **Statistical Overview** - Texas Tech shot 55.2% from the field, compared to Duke's 51.9%. - The comeback was characterized by a strong offensive push in the second half, where they outscored Duke significantly. ### Evidence Supporting the Comeback Narrative - **Player Statistics**: - Christian Anderson: 27 points (23 in the second half), key free throw at the end [https://sports.yahoo.com/no-19-texas-tech-rallies-040816101.html]. - J.T. Toppin: 19 points, crucial baskets during the comeback [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/down_17_in_2nd_half_no_19_texas_tech_stuns_no_3_duke/s1_17048_43232310]. - Cameron Boozer (Duke): 23 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists [https://www.thesportsanimal.com/2025/12/21/top-25-roundup-no-19-texas-tech-rallies-to-hand-no-3-duke-first-loss]. - **Game Flow**: - Texas Tech was down by 17 points in the second half but managed to rally back, showcasing their determination and skill [https://abc11.com/post/no-3-duke-suffers-first-loss-19-texas-tech-rallies-win-82-81/18303807]. ### Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Texas Tech **Texas Tech's victory over Duke is a testament to their resilience and teamwork.** The Red Raiders not only overcame a significant deficit but also did so under pressure, demonstrating their capability to perform in high-stakes situations. 1. **Historic Comeback**: Overcame a 17-point deficit to win. 2. **Key Players**: Christian Anderson and J.T. Toppin were instrumental in the victory. 3. **Statistical Edge**: Higher shooting percentage contributed to their success. 4. **Impact on Season**: This win handed Duke their first loss, altering the landscape of the season. This game will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Texas Tech's season and a significant upset in college basketball history [https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/duke-texas-tech-score-analysis-game-recap].