McCasland’s postgame praise for Akron helps show how intensely Texas Tech prepared

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jaylen Petty (11) drives against Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesI love it when head coaches show respect for their contemporaries and heap praise around for impressive performances or the hard work that another team has put into getting into the postseason.

And that’s exactly what Texas Tech men’s basketball head coach Grant McCasland did after the Red Raiders managed to dismantle the Akron Zips in the opening round of the 2026 NCAA…