Texas Tech University Athletics
McCasland previews No. 17 Arkansas
December 11, 2025 | Men's Basketball
LUBBOCK – With a matchup against No. 17 Arkansas set for 11 a.m. on Saturday in Dallas, Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland talked with the local media on Thursday to preview that game. The No. 16 Red Raiders earned an 85-83 overtime win over the Razorbacks last season in the Sweet 16 but will now be looking to continue momentum in the non-conference schedule that has only four more games on it before the start of Big 12 play. Below are selected quotes from McCasland's media session to preview the game that will be played at American Airlines Center and is the 82nd meeting in the all-time series between the former Southwest Conference rivals. Â
Opening statement on the game against Arkansas: "We've had a great run in the DFW and this will be a great opportunity to keep that going this weekend playing against Arkansas in American Airlines. It's a fantastic venue that I know our guys are excited about playing in but more than anything it's the opponent. They are a tremendous team with crazy talent. They're competitive and as fast as any team we'll play. They are difficult to play against and score against. They push in transition and make it really tough on you."
On what makes Arkansas a dangerous team to play against: "You have to start with their transition offense. I can't imagine a team better than them in the country. Arkansas is as fast, athletic, dynamic and as good at finishing as anyone out there. They have a shot making component and definitely don't have a shortage of talent. I respect the way they improve. It's what they did last year after a tough start to SEC play. Then they turned into as good of a team in the country. I know that because we played them. I felt it. They were one of the best teams we played. I respect how they continue to improve."
On Tech's team through nine games of the non-conference schedule: "A schedule tells you where you're at. That's what it does. If you make it a difficult schedule, it will reveal what you're not good at. Our team has the right ingredients, but we're giving out food that is not fully prepared. It doesn't look good or taste right. I just think the more time we have to prepare this team the better we'll be. You saw that on Sunday against LSU. Our schedule has shown us what we have to get better at. You have to have that time though to work on what you've been exposed on. I'll tell you, I trust our character and love for this game and our competitiveness. We've got the right group. That's where I'm thankful for our schedule. I wish we had more time in October with this group so we could have had a better showing of what this team can be. There's plenty of time for that to happen. We just have to take advantage of every opportunity we have."
On the support of Texas Tech fans: "Red Raiders show up, that's what makes us great. We have a lot going on and I want to acknowledge that. In the world of college athletics, the Red Raiders have about as good of a run going on right now with football team and our Lady Raiders playing awesome. There is a lot of moment. I want to acknowledge it's tough to keep up and go to all these venues, the time and the cost. I'm so thankful that we have so many people who want to be a part of this and show up. We need our people there to make it a home advantage for us."
VIDEO RESOURCES: Define Yourself | TTW EP1 | TTW EP2 | TTW EP3 | TTW EP4 | CBS Home Court
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