Chris Beard on how Texas Tech disrupted Texas, compliments former players

Texas Tech hit the road for a trip to Texas on Saturday, and it was the Red Raiders that came out with a victory. After the two teams were tied at halftime at 28 points apiece, Texas Tech edged Texas 33-27 in the second half. Following the game, Texas head coach Chris Beard, who previously coached at Texas Tech, heaped out some praise to his former players on the other side of the court.

Beard acknowledged that going up against some of Texas Tech’s stars made it tough for the Longhorns to get in a rhythm on Saturday.

“Well they were definitely throwing the ball in to a couple of the best players in the league,” Beard said after the game. “It’s well documented what I think of Marcus (Santos-Silva). Recruited him and had the pleasure to coach him. He’s a big time player. And Bryson (Williams), had the privilege and honor to recruit and coach him.

“So obviously a unique game today. You’re looking at guys that you pull for other than the time you compete against them. But I thought they threw the ball inside to a couple of the best players in the elague and I think they drove the ball. Thought Clarence (Nodolny) was a real separator today. Another guy that I had the honor and privilege to recruit and coach. Clarence played great today, was aggressive.”

Beard downplays question about Texas Tech fans

Despite Saturday’s game being held at the home of the Longhorns, there were plenty of Texas Tech fans in attendance. The Red Raiders faithful traveled well, but Beard said after the game that isn’t something that he focuses on once the game gets underway.

“I understand the question, but when I get into game mode — me personally, I can’t speak for others — I really don’t know what’s going on out there in the stands. I’ve been on both ends of these. We had a great showing today with Longhorns fans. Texas Tech travels well. They have for the last few years. So, today I thought was a great college basketball game,” Beard said. “We came up a little bit short. Tie game at half, didn’t like the start of the second half.

“Certainly loved the courage and the fight that we played with at the end of the game. Just like a lot of times in our game, you make that comeback, now things settle down and you have to go play some real possessions. We just had some untimely missed block outs. I don’t want to speak for Mark Adams, but I think they won the game with their rebounding today, in my opinion.”

Beard and Texas have four games remaining in the regular season. The Longhorns host TCU on Wednesday before traveling to West Virginia on Saturday. Texas then hosts Baylor next Monday before ending the regular season on the road at Kansas.