Lubbock Police intervened after Texas Tech fans began damaging property and flipped a car
Following Texas Tech’s big win to advance to the NCAA Championship for the first time ever, fans have taken to the streets to celebrate — in a not-so civilized manner.
According to police in Lubbock, Texas, the fan celebration resulted in damage that included a flipped car and several scooters catching on fire.
In addition, the Lubbock police are investigating several incidents of property damage. As described by the police, “the crowd engaged in extremely dangerous, and disappointing behavior.”
According to the police, following the Red Raiders victory over the Michigan State Spartans, 61-51, several thousand people gathered near the campus after the win, and a small group began damaging property. After ordering the crowd to disperse, the officers on command deployed tear gas into the crowd.
Following the chaos that ensued throughout the streets of Lubbock, Texas Tech coach Chris Beard had a message for those celebrating in an aggressive manner.
“My message and my voice would be let’s celebrate this, let’s enjoy this, but let’s do it in the right way, in a safe way, he said on Sunday. “Our hotel [Saturday] night was electric, but it was safe and professional and just good. I did see some of those things, it didn’t make me happy, but I’d like to recognize all the people that are doing it the right way. Hopefully this story isn’t just those select few that made some bad decisions.”
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At Michigan State, similar antics also occurred following their surprise defeat.
Firefighters responded to 10 small furniture fires, and 23 people were arrested near the East Lansing campus. Two signs and a police vehicle were also damaged, according to the police.
The crowd grew to over 1,500 people but eventually dispersed by police intervention.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders will face off against the University of Virginia Cavaliers in the NCAA Tournament Championship. Virginia defeated Auburn in their Final Four match in a narrow 63-62 game.
The NCAA Championship game kicks off tonight at 9:20 pm ET on CBS.