Alums come up short
PUTNAM— After one of most improbably runs to an NCAA Championship Game, the #3 seed Red Raiders of Texas Tech had their magical run come to an end at the hands of #1 seed Virginia in the title game. The Cavaliers, who were eliminated in the 1st round last year by #16 seed UMBC, returned with a vengeance making the title game and holding off the Red Raiders in overtime 85-77. Even in a loss, Texas Tech made headlines with the recent internet sensation song “Old Town Road” blasting in their locker room throughout the tourney and how they were able to make it to the big dance.
Putnam Science Academy’s Malik Ondigo and Josh Mballa are members of the Red Raiders who don’t have what the main-stream media calls “star power.”
“We aren’t pet store dogs,” forward Malik Ondigo said before the national championship game in an interview with SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell. “We’re street dogs. There aren’t any five-star recruits here.” Ondigo and Mballa both weren’t five-star recruits when they joined Head Coach Chris Beard and the Red Raiders but that was something Beard was okay with.
There were multiple chances at the end of the game to win it but Virginia did what they had to do, forcing over time and holding off Texas Tech in what felt like a team that was on the verge of something special. Texas Tech is back on the college basketball map and with multiple seniors on their way out along with star guard Jarrett Culver, look for Putnam Science Academy’s Malik Ondigo and Josh Mballa to see their minutes increase next year and play a role in the team’s success. They aren’t the only Mustangs holding court for the Red Raiders as Senior big man Russell Tchewa will attend Texas Tech next year on scholarship after a dominant year at PSA where the 7’0, 250-pound center averaged a double-double for the 38-2 Mustangs under Head Coach Tom Espinosa.
Josh Sanchas
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

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