Gonzaga taking on Texas Tech in the opening game of the Elite Eight was always going to be a game for the ages.
It lived up to the hype, and Texas Tech played incredible defense down the stretch. But it was the second half where their defensive abilities truly shined.
Tariq Owens, who ended the evening with five blocks and nine points, had maybe the most clutch defensive play in the entire tournament.
TARIQ OWENS. WHAT. A. BLOCK. pic.twitter.com/3d7yiIpS0R
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 31, 2019
The play wasn’t without controversy, as Owens had clearly stepped out prior to making the athletic save. However, that wasn’t called and the massive block ultimately punched the first ticket to the Final Four for the Red Raiders.
That is the first time in program history for Texas Tech, and they will play the winner of Duke vs Michigan State next Saturday in Minneapolis.
