Air Raiders fall in second round of The Basketball Tournament, plan to return in 2023

The Basketball Tournament wanted a Texas Tech team in its competition.

On Friday and Saturday, they got it.

General manager Andrew Sorrells signed 12 players for the Air Raiders’ first-ever TBT run, most of them Tech alumni — including five from Tech’s 2018 Elite Eight team and three from its 2019 Final Four team. The Air Raiders gained a sizeable following from Red Raider fans, tallying more than 3,000 followers on Twitter.

The players practiced at the The Dustin R. Womble Basketball Center, while making memories off the court through team dinners and karaoke nights in Lubbock.

Then, the Air Raiders began their TBT journey before it came to an abrupt ending in the span of two days.

Davion Warren and ShawnDre’ Jones each netted 32 points en route to defeating the B1 Ballers 90-89 on Friday to advance to the second round of the Wichita Regional.

One day later, Warren and Jones led the offense again — with 23 and 16 points, respectively — but it wasn’t enough as the Air Raiders’ first TBT appearance ended following a 70-60 loss to the AfterShocks which was comprised of Wichita State alumni.

The hometown squad was bolstered by Conner Frankamp’s 21 points and James Dickey’s game-winning dunk to send their fan base home happy from Charles Koch Arena.

The Air Raiders were disappointed with the loss. However, they’re proud of how the whole process played out.

“I’m really proud of our guys. We fought all the way through,” Air Raiders coach Luke Adams said postgame. “For us to have about four practices, and almost beat (the AfterShocks) on their home floor is just a testament to who these guys are.”

Frankamp was a thorn in the Air Raiders’ side throughout the game by shooting 7-for-12 from the field, including three 3-pointers, toward his 21 point total. Forward Darral Willis Jr. came off the bench to score 16 points as the AfterShocks made 41 percent of their shots in the contest.

The Air Raiders were prone to give the AfterShocks space to shoot, especially on the final possession.

Down 68-60, the Air Raiders needed several stops to prevent their opponent from hitting the target score of 69 — set because the AfterShocks had 61 points when the TBT’s signature “Elam Ending” added eight points to the winning team’s total.

Guard Samajae Haynes-Jones drew a double team at half-court, leaving center James Dickey open under the basket for a game-winning dunk. Adams — who instituted a similar no-middle, “side” defensive scheme that his father, Mark, uses as Texas Tech’s head coach — took full blame for the defensive breakdown.

“That was on me,” Luke Adams said. “We were just trying to trap them and get them to turn it over. We were still going back in transition, and he had an easy bounce pass to make.”

The finish to the Air Raiders’ first TBT run was rough, and they want to come back next year.

Jones, whose 32-point performance against B1 remains the highest point total in this year’s TBT, was impressed with how well Tech fans supported the team. He particularly pointed out the Air Raiders’ sendoff at the Womble, where a small crowd of Tech fans gathered to wish the team luck before they headed to Wichita.

The former 6-foot Richmond guard, who plays for the NBA G-League’s Motor City Cruise, competed in the last two TBTs as part of The Web — a Richmond alumni team. He enjoyed those teams, but loved his experience with Tech’s “amazing” fanbase and culture.

“Just the outpouring of support that this fanbase shows these guys, it’s been amazing,” Jones said. “I’ve been surprised, and (my teammates) have been telling me that’s the norm. If we’re doing something, the fanbase is supporting us 110 percent.

“I had a great time. This has been a different experience because of the (Lubbock) support.”

Warren, who used TBT to try and secure an NBA contract and represent Tech, all but confirmed the Air Raiders’ intentions to enter the 2023 installment.

“We’ll be back next year more prepared and ready to go,” Warren said. “It’ll be back. I love Texas Tech’s fanbase and the supporters there. They’ve shown me nothing but love since I’ve touched down in Lubbock. I appreciate the support I’ve been getting all week.”

And if TBT comes to Lubbock next year?

“They don’t want that,” Warren said. “We’d win the whole thing.”

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Air Raiders fall in second round of The Basketball Tournament, plan to return in 2023