HOUSTON — In a thrilling overtime match, the Texas Tech Red Raiders triumphed over the Houston Cougars with a narrow score of 82-81 on Saturday. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland was ejected just under four minutes into the first half.

McCasland received two technical fouls after passionately contesting a flagrant 2 call against his player, JT Toppin. The incident occurred after Toppin allegedly kicked Houston’s Joseph Tugler in the midsection during a jump pass maneuver.

Following the game, McCasland expressed his concerns regarding the call, stating, “JT Toppin is a left-handed basketball player, and we worked against the double team. He spun to throw the basketball with his right, but he gets crowded quickly, and he’s trying to throw with his left.”

He elaborated on the situation, suggesting that it might resemble a quarterback adjusting a throw. “If you’re in a throwing motion, and you have to switch hands and you’re a lefty, you’re going to have to throw your body in such a way to torque it to throw it with your left hand. Your body is going to turn in such a way that your right foot is going to go forward to throw it.”

The officials reviewed the incident and decided on a flagrant 2 foul, prompting McCasland to vehemently argue the ruling as he was escorted off the court. “I don’t know what else to say,” he reflected, expressing his disappointment for Toppin, who was visibly distraught and confused in the locker room post-ejection.

Texas Tech’s athletic director, Kirby Hocutt, also voiced his frustrations on social media, labeling the referee’s decision as “egregious” and criticizing it for being made in a situation that appeared to be unintentional. He mentioned discussions with Commissioner Brett Yormark to ensure accountability for the incident.

Despite the early setback, Texas Tech’s victory halted Houston’s impressive 33-game home-winning streak, which had been intact since a loss to Temple in January 2023. Additionally, the Cougars were also left reeling from the end of their 18-game winning streak within the Big 12 and a 13-game overall winning streak.

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson acknowledged the outcome, admitting disappointment but asserting that the “toughest team won.” He highlighted Texas Tech’s performance, saying, “The story of the game was Texas Tech. They were awesome. Let’s give them a little credit. They lose their best big, they come into this gym and go to the free-throw line 34 times, make 12 3s, and play great.”