86R25887 JH-D
 
  By: Frullo H.R. No. 1225
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The Texas Tech men's basketball program achieved a
  new level of success during the 2018-2019 season, as the Red Raiders
  advanced all the way to the NCAA Division I national championship
  game; and
         WHEREAS, In the course of an unforgettable season, the Texas
  Tech players repeatedly surpassed expectations; with their
  inspired play against their Big 12 foes, they earned a share of the
  regular season conference title, claiming that trophy for the first
  time ever; Tech was rewarded with an invitation to the "Big Dance"
  of the NCAA tournament and embarked on a thrilling run that
  electrified the Red Raider faithful; and
         WHEREAS, After defeating Northern Kentucky and Buffalo,
  Texas Tech upset the highly ranked Michigan and Gonzaga squads to
  earn its first trip to the Final Four; in the semifinals, the Red
  Raider defense demonstrated its trademark tenacity, leading the
  team to a 61-51 win over Michigan State and setting the stage for
  the title game showdown against Virginia; in that contest, the Tech
  players gave their all through four hard-fought quarters and an
  overtime period but saw their season come to an end just one win
  short of the national championship; and
         WHEREAS, The Red Raiders had numerous heroes during their
  history-making campaign; Lubbock native Jarrett Culver was named
  the Big 12 Player of the Year, and he and Matt Mooney earned spots on
  the Final Four All-Tournament Team; valuable leadership was
  provided by veteran players Norense Odiase, Brandone Francis, and
  Tariq Owens, while sophomores Davide Moretti and Deshawn Corprew
  and freshman Kyler Edwards were also key to Tech's success; the team
  was guided by head coach Chris Beard, who was named the Associated
  Press Men's College Basketball Coach of the Year and the Big 12
  Coach of the Year for his outstanding efforts; and
         WHEREAS, By proving itself one of the top teams in college
  basketball, Texas Tech has furthered the Lone Star State's
  reputation for sports excellence and ushered in an exciting new era
  for Red Raider athletics, and its achievements are a source of great
  pride for the university's students, alumni, and fans; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
  Legislature hereby congratulate the Texas Tech University men's
  basketball team on advancing to the championship game of the 2019
  NCAA Division I tournament and extend to the team's players,
  coaches, and staff sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it
  further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for the Red Raiders as an expression of high regard by the
  Texas House of Representatives.