No. 15 Texas Tech will face either Memphis or No. 1 Purdue in Friday’s Baha Mar Championship semifinal in Nassau. The Red Raiders beat Wake Forest on Thursday evening. Purdue topped Memphis 80-71 in the first round matchup.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Purdue defeated Memphis 80-71 in first round play.
- Fletcher Loyer scored 20 points for the Boilermakers.
- Texas Tech advanced past Wake Forest on Thursday night.
- Semifinals take place Friday, Nov. 21 in Nassau, Bahamas.
- Tournament held at Baha Mar Convention Center through Friday.
Purdue Stays Perfect in First Round
No. 1 Purdue proved why it’s the nation’s top team. The Boilermakers defeated Memphis 80-71 on Thursday night. Fletcher Loyer scorched the nets with 20 points, including 18 in the second half. The performance showed Purdue’s ability to finish strong.
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C.J. Cox added 18 points for the Boilermakers. Memphis fought hard throughout the game but couldn’t keep pace. The loss dropped Memphis to 1-3 on the season. Purdue remained undefeated at 5-0.
Texas Tech Advances to Semifinals
The Red Raiders secured their spot in Friday’s matchup. Texas Tech advanced past Wake Forest in the first round. Head coach Grant McCasland has his team playing sharp basketball. The Red Raiders are 3-1 entering the semifinal round.
Texas Tech is making its first appearance at the Baha Mar Championship. The school previously competed in the 2023 Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. This is a major non-conference test for the program. Winning Friday would be a statement victory.
Tournament Bracket and Schedule Details
The four-team tournament features elite programs competing for bragging rights. Purdue and Texas Tech were both preseason top-10 teams. Here’s what Friday holds:
| Game | Time | Matchup |
|---|---|---|
| Consolation | 7 p.m. ET | First Round Losers |
| Championship | 9:30 p.m. ET | Purdue vs Winner (Tech/Wake Forest) |
All games air on CBS Sports Network. The tournament is held at the Baha Mar Convention Center. This five-game stretch keeps teams sharp before conference play begins.
What’s at Stake for the Red Raiders
A win Friday would give Texas Tech a championship or runner-up finish. Either outcome looks impressive heading into Big 12 play. Facing No. 1 Purdue is the ultimate test. It measures where McCasland’s team truly stands.
The Red Raiders return home next for Thanksgiving games. Winning this tournament would build tremendous momentum. It would also elevate the program’s national profile heading into conference competition.
Can Anyone Stop the Boilermakers in the Bahamas?
The question now becomes simple: Who will challenge Purdue for the title? The Boilermakers look razor-sharp through five games. Fletcher Loyer is playing at an elite level on offense. Purdue ranks among the nation’s best this season already.
Texas Tech must first get past Wake Forest to find out. Then comes the much bigger test: facing No. 1 Purdue on Friday night. The winner earns championship bragging rights and a quality non-conference victory. Friday could reshape how both teams are viewed heading forward.
Sources
- CBS Sports – Purdue vs Memphis game coverage and tournament bracket information.
- ESPN – Real-time scores and team ranking confirmations.
- Baha Mar Hoops Official – Tournament schedule and venue details.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.