Texas Tech and West Virginia played a messy, foul-heavy game that tested everyone’s patience. Mac McClung picked up a foul and hit the bench, and that set the pace. The teams traded missed shots, fouls, and free throws in a frustrating sequence. In the final minutes, tempers boiled over. A controversial foul call on Texas Tech’s number 15 led to an outburst from head coach Chris Beard, who believed West Virginia had called for a timeout. Instead, the refs called a foul, and Beard lost it. He stormed the sideline, yelling “timeout” over and over before getting ejected. Before leaving, he found time to cross the court and respectfully fist bump West Virginia’s coach Bob Huggins.
After the game, Beard explained his side. He said he saw and heard the West Virginia player signaling for a timeout. At that point, it was still a two-possession game and Texas Tech could have set up their press. Instead, a 90% free throw shooter went to the line and changed the game. Beard said he had never been ejected or even received a technical in his five years in the Big 12, but felt like he had to stand up for his team in that moment. He praised the officials overall, saying sometimes a coach just has to stand up and fight for his players.