WATCH: Texas Tech fans boo Kevin McCullar upon return to Lubbock

Texas Tech fans were not happy to see Kevin McCullar again Tuesday as the former Red Raiders guard returned as a member of the Kansas Jayhawks.

When the guard was introduced as a member of the KU starting lineup, he was met with several boos from the Tech home crowd. The treatment continued throughout the opening few minutes of the first half, as Red Raiders fans continued to boo McCullar every time he touched the ball.

If you thought the crowd would boo Kevin McCullar on his return, you won that office poll. pic.twitter.com/iUEdqRRXr3

— Carlos Silva Jr. (@cmsilvajr) January 4, 2023

Kevin McCullar played the first three seasons of his college career at Texas Tech before transferring to Kansas this offseason. He has started in all 12 appearances for the Jayhawks this season to average 11.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game.

Prior to that, he averaged 10.1 points and 4.6 rebounds last season in Lubbock. McCullar picked up two early fouls in the first half and had just three points on 1-of-3 shooting with just over three minutes remaining before halftime.

Tuesday night’s game is huge for Texas Tech, as Kansas ranked No. 3 in the country and represents an opportunity for the Red Raiders to notch a quality win for their tournament resume. They are so far undefeated at home this season.

Kansas currently leads Tech Tech 37-34 with 3:25 remaining in the first half.

Bill Self assesses first half against Texas Tech

After a slow start on Tuesday against Texas Tech in Lubbock, Kansas coach Bill Self thought his team settled in nicely. Despite trailing 13-5 at the first TV timeout, the Jayhawks rallied to take a 43-36 lead into halftime.

Speaking with ESPN’s Kris Budden, KU coach Bill Self revealed the message he gave to his team after the first timeout to get them going.

“We didn’t come ready to play defense,” Self said. “They got anything they wanted and they made shots. But after the game started after the 16-minute mark, we talk about that all the time. We settled down and played pretty good offensively.”

Kansas ended the first half on an 11-2 run, with KJ Adams scoring eight straight points to end the half. Forward Jalen Wilson led the Jayhawks with 13 points heading into the locker room.

“I thought the ball moved and I thought we took advantage of getting the ball in the middle of the paint,” Self said of what led to the run.

Tuesday night’s game is huge for Texas Tech, as Kansas ranked No. 3 in the country and represents an opportunity for the Red Raiders to notch a quality win for their tournament resume. They are so far undefeated at home this season.