The Texas Tech Red Raiders held off Michigan State in Saturday’s Final Four to reach the first national title game in program history.
The win was undeniably a huge deal to Texas Tech fans. The team was thrilled. Patrick Mahomes was pumped. Chris Beard kissed Matt Mooney. It was a celebratory — yet focused — scene in Minneapolis.
Over in Lubbock, though, many fans used the win as an excuse to be destructive.
Videos began circulating on Twitter late Saturday night showing Texas Tech fans flipping cars and starting bonfires with Lime scooters in the heart of the downtown Lubbock. It got to the point where police responded in riot gear to disperse the crowds with tear gas.
(Warning: Some videos contain NSFW language).
The City of Lubbock issued a statement about Saturday’s postgame incidents, urging fans to behave lawfully on Monday night.
“After Texas Tech defeated Michigan State, hundreds of fans gathered & engaged in dangerous, & disappointing behavior including vandalizing property. We are proud, & excited, for Texas Tech; but that behavior will not be tolerated. We want Red Raider fans to support the team & celebrate lawfully and responsibly. We’re on the national stage so make Lubbock proud.”
