Texas Tech star guard Christian Anderson will play in the NCAA tournament after a groin injury sustained during a Big 12 loss to Iowa State. Anderson left the game early on Thursday after slipping on an inbounds pass and grabbing his groin area, but the school confirmed he is available for the tournament. The 6-foot-3 guard, recently named Big 12's most improved player and a first-team all-conference selection, averaged 18.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists this season.

His availability is crucial as the Red Raiders (22-10, 12-6 Big 12) face a likely 4th or 5th seed in the NCAA bracket announced Sunday. Anderson's injury, one of several setbacks for Texas Tech this season including the season-ending ACL tear to forward JT Toppin in February, forced a return to a traditional hardwood court for the conference tournament's final rounds after experimenting with an LED glass court.