McClung scores 23 to carry Texas Tech past Kansas State

Updated: Feb 6, 2021, 11:58 pm

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- — Mac McClung scored 23 points and No. 13 Texas Tech beat Kansas State 73-62 on Saturday.

McClung, the Big 12 leading scorer, is averaging 25 points in his last four road games and capped off the game with a breakaway dunk in the final minute to put away Kansas State.

Kevin McCullar added 15 and Kyler Edwards had 13 points for the Red Raiders (14-5, 6-4 Big 12).

“I was pleased with our poise and thought we responded well to their big shots,” Texas Tech head coach Chris Beard said. “I think it was nice to see some other guys step up for us, too.”

The Red Raiders played most of the game their second leading scorer, Terrence Shannon Jr., who was out with an ankle injury. He played only 11 minutes and had two points.

“He just had a sore ankle and the idea was to give him some rest,” Beard said. “I expect him to be back next game and hope the injury doesn’t linger.”

Texas Tech made its final seven field goals of the game and went 24-for-51 (51%) from the field while the Wildcats were 20-for-44 (45%).

Mike McGuirl and Nijel Pack led the way for Kansas State (5-15, 1-10) with 16 points each and Kaosi Ezeagu had 10.

“I’m proud of our guys,” Kansas State head coach Bruce Weber said. “I wanted to win, but if they can do this every game we’ll have a chance down the stretch.”

Early in the second half, the Red Raiders went on a 15-3 run and held off any comeback efforts after that point.

Texas Tech led wire-to-wire and forced Kansas State into 18 turnovers while only giving the ball up 10 times themselves.

“That was the difference in the game,” Beard said. “The question was what can we do to not let them get a shot and that’s turnovers. Without the turnovers this is a different game.”

This is the Wildcats 10th straight loss, which marks their second consecutive season with a 10-game losing streak.

BIG PICTURE

Texas Tech: They made big shots numerous times as the Wildcats tried to mount any comeback in the second half.

Kansas State: This is somewhat of a moral victory for the Wildcats. In their previous six games against ranked opponents, they lost by an average of 25 points. They hung with Texas Tech for 40 minutes which they haven’t done with many teams this season.

UP NEXT

Texas Tech takes on West Virginia at home on Tuesday.

Kansas State hosts Texas on Tuesday.