KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Matt Humphrey, in what likely was the final game of his one-year stint at West Virginia, produced a seven-point offensive flurry during the first three minutes of the second half.
But in the midst of it, he also produced a technical foul.
After his 3-pointer drew WVU to within 42-41, Humphrey was hit with a technical as he trash-talked a Texas Tech player on the defensive end.
“I mean I said something, but it wasn’t something that would warrant a tech,” Humphrey said. “I mean we’re playing basketball and it’s the Big 12 tournament and John Higgins feels the need to call a tech. I don’t want to blame the referees but he’s horrible.
“But it is what it is. It’s my mistake and I shouldn’t have said anything at all.”
That followed a technical dealt to West Virginia’s Aaric Murray during the first half, also regarding something that he allegedly said to a Red Raiders player, In all, Texas Tech made 3-of-4 free throws after the two technicals — points that proved crucial in the Red Raiders’ 71-69 win.
“I guess there was some talking going on. (The officials) told them to shut up, and our guys I think said something after they were told to be quiet.
“The truth of he matter is it should never happen. You can go back and look — my guys don’t do that. They have never done that. It’s inexcusable.”