As I discussed in my fifth anniversary posting below, I think that team runs in basketball are likely a "beyond chance" phenomenon and worthy of further study. Last night, in two men's college basketball games each involving a team with "Tech" in its name, there were some pronounced team runs.

In one of the games, North Carolina State jumped out to a 17-2 lead over Georgia Tech, but the Yellowjackets came back later on with an 18-0 spurt of their own to win the game, 74-65.

Meanwhile, right here in Lubbock, Texas Tech closed out the first half of its game against Nebraska on a 21-2 run. However, the Huskers unleashed a 13-2 spree of their own late in the game, ultimately pulling out a 61-59 decision over the Red Raiders (play-by-play sheet).

The closing minutes of games have not, for the most part, been kind to Texas Tech of late.

On January 20, although the host Red Raiders ultimately prevailed, here is how the last five and a half minutes went against Kansas (article):

Tech widened their lead steadily and got ahead 59-47 on two free throws by [Darryl] Dora with 5:27 remaining. But when Tech got up 61-49, Kansas used a 13-1 run to tie it at 62 with 1:42 remaining.

On January 31, with Texas Tech home this time against Texas (article):

The Longhorns used a 29-6 run midway through the second half to put the game away.

Finally, this past Saturday in Norman (article):

Charlie Burgess beat Oklahoma's defense for a layup in transition and then completed the three-point play to give the Red Raiders a 59-55 lead with 6:53 left.

From that point onward, the Sooners outscored Texas Tech 20-2 to claim a 75-61 victory.