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Chance McMillan injury update: Surprising news emerges on Texas Tech star vs. UNCW

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery•03/20/25
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© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The No. 3 seed Texas Tech Red Raiders are about to tip-off their first-round matchup with the No. 14 UNCW Seahawks in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, the Red Raiders got some brutal news ahead of the game. According to Jeff Borzello of ESPN, Chance McMillan is not expected to be available for Thursday night’s game against UNCW, according to the school. The TruTV broadcast team noted that it was an upper body injury early in the first half.

McMillan has averaged 14.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. He’s also connected on 52.5% of his shots from the field, while draining 43.4% from deep. He’ll definitely be a missed presence on Thursday evening. The Red Raiders will look for JT Toppin to carry the load and see if he can propel Texas Tech into the second round. The winner of Thursday evening’s game will face off against the No. 11 seed, Drake Bulldogs in the second round.

Texas Tech led UNCW 33-19 with 6:40 left in the first half. The Red Raiders were taking care of business in the first half, thanks to a 12-0 run. Not even 15 minutes in the first half, Texas Tech had attempted 20 three-pointers. But the Seahawks went on a 15-3 run to close the half, and they only trailed the Red Raiders 38-34 heading into the locker room. Kerwin Walton hit five of ten three-pointers in the first half, to lead Texas Tech with 15 points.

JT Toppin had four points and six rebounds at halftime. Elijah Hawkins had six points, four assists, and six rebounds at halftime for the Red Raiders. Texas Tech connected on 8 of their 26 shots from beyond-the-arc in the first half (30.8%). UNCW connected on 4 of their 13 shots from beyond-the-arc (30.8%).

It wasn’t easy but the Red Raiders managed to pull away late in the second half, 82-72. They advanced to the second round, where they’ll face the No. 11 seed, Drake Bulldogs. Texas Tech attempted 46 threes on Thursday–a school record. Kerwin Walton finished with 27 points to carry the Red Raiders to victory.

We’ll see if Texas Tech can get McMillan back in time for their game against Drake, a team that’s sure to be a tough one to handle in the second round.