Texas Tech’s Anthony Livingston Drains Incredible Shot to Beat West Virginia in OT
The final score was 77-76 in favor of Texas Tech, but how we got to that score was a wild ride.
First things first, this game was incredible. There was something like 20 lead changes and great action all the way through. Nobody got too far ahead, and it always seemed like both teams could win at any moment.
Zach Smith and Anthony Livingston were the players of the game for Texas Tech. Smith had 15 points and 7 boards to go along with his 2 blocks. Livingston, though, had the game winner.
With 2:30 left in regulation, it seemed like Texas Tech was pulling away. Tech was up 65 to 59 and looked poised to win going away. Then they got into the prevent offense of just trying to drain the clock instead of running their offense. But West Virginia scored 8 of the last 10 points of the second half to tie the game at 67.
The final shot of the second half was a 3-point buzzer beater for West Virginia to send it to extras. Exciting stuff.
The overtime period would feature missed free throws from the Mountaineers, mostly with each team scoring a few baskets.
The real drama came within the final minute.
Tarik Phillip drained a trey with 33 seconds left to go, ahead 76 to 74.
Texas Tech would play for the final shot, as Niem Stephenson had the ball at the top of the key. He'd drive to the hole before kicking out to a wide open Anthony Livingston, who drained the shot with four seconds left on the clock. You can see it here:
Here's a courtside view.:
Of course, it's nothing new for Texas Tech to beat ranked opponents at home. It seems like they do it all the time. In fact, it's kind of our thing.