Texas Tech Dominates Wake Forest in Baha Mar Championship

Texas Tech Asserts Dominance Over Wake Forest in Bahamas Showdown

The No. 15 Texas Tech Red Raiders delivered a statement victory in the opening round of the Baha Mar Championship, overpowering the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 81-74 on Thursday night. Played at the Baha Mar Convention Center in Nassau, Bahamas, the win solidified Texas Tech's status as a national contender while highlighting areas needing improvement for Wake Forest.

Key Matchup: Toppin's Dominance vs. Wake's Perimeter Struggles

The game's narrative centered around Texas Tech superstar JT Toppin, who lived up to his preseason hype with a stellar 24-point, 12-rebound performance. Toppin's dual-threat ability—shooting 55% from the field while controlling the paint—proved overwhelming for Wake Forest's undersized center Tre'von Spillers, who struggled to contain him defensively.

Wake Forest's offensive struggles were equally telling. Despite Juke Harris' 21-point effort, the Demon Deacons' backcourt—comprised of transfers Sebastian Akins, Nate Calmese, Myles Colvin, and Mekhi Mason—combined for just 32% shooting. Calmese's inefficient shot selection and Colvin/Mason's below-average performances created significant scoring gaps, forcing Wake to rely heavily on its defense.

"Texas Tech's ability to win both in a shootout or defensive struggle signals a truly great team," noted college basketball analyst Sean Paul.

Texas Tech's Balanced Attack

While Toppin stole the headlines, guard Christian Anderson orchestrated the offense with 19 points and 9 assists. Coach Grant McCasland's system demonstrated elite versatility, ranking 10th nationally in offensive efficiency. The Red Raiders exploited Wake Forest's porous interior defense (57.4% allowed inside the arc), with LeJuan Watts adding 14 points off the bench.

Texas Tech's defense proved pivotal, holding Wake to just 24% 3-point shooting—a statistic unlikely to sustain long-term. The Red Raiders' ability to force turnovers and secure second-chance opportunities proved decisive down the stretch.

Wake Forest's Defensive Regression

Despite entering the game ranked 31st nationally in defensive efficiency, Wake Forest showed cracks. Their previously elite perimeter defense crumbled against Texas Tech's ball movement, while their inability to protect the rim against Toppin exposed fundamental weaknesses. The Demon Deacons' 8.5-point deficit against the spread reflected their struggles against a high-major opponent.

Wake Forest's bench production was another concern. Beyond Harris and Spillers, no other player reached double digits, indicating a lack of depth that could challenge their Big 12 aspirations.

Tournament Implications and Path Forward

Texas Tech advances to face the winner of No. 1 Purdue vs. Memphis, positioning themselves for a marquee early-season test. The victory builds momentum after a tough road loss to Illinois, where Toppin nearly single-handedly rallied the Red Raiders.

For Wake Forest, the loss serves as a reality check. With only one high-major win (a near-upset of Michigan), they must address guard play and interior defense before conference play begins. Their next challenge comes against Towson in the NIT.

What We Learned

• Texas Tech: Elite backcourt duo (Toppin/Anderson) and McCasland's system make them a legitimate Final Four threat.
• Wake Forest: Guard play inconsistencies and rim protection need immediate improvement for NCAA Tournament contention.
• Tournament: The Baha Mar Championship provides early-season clarity for bubble teams.

Final Verdict

Texas Tech's methodical dismantling of Wake Forest validated their preseason ranking. With Toppin in MVP form and a well-rounded roster, the Red Raiders appear poised for a deep tournament run. Wake Forest, meanwhile, faces critical adjustments to avoid mid-tier status.