“I told our team this was the most athletic team we’ve played against all year,” said Knight, who got win No. 898 with the Red Raiders’ 79-77 victory over the Cardinals Tuesday night. “They keep coming at you and coming at you and playing hard.”

Fortunately, he had a clutch player come through in the end.

John Roberson hit two free throws with 22 seconds remaining to give Tech the win and pull Knight within two wins of 900.

Lamar tied it at 77 with 1:20 left when Darren Hopkins stole the ball from Tech and went the length of the court for a layup. Tech’s Charlie Burgess then missed an easy layin with about 41 seconds remaining, and Lamar got the rebound before calling a timeout.

Texas Tech got the ball back on a steal by Esmir Rizvic. Roberson, who finished with 21 points, was tripped as he brought the ball up the court. He sank both free throws.

Lamar’s Chad McThay missed a three-pointer with two seconds remaining, and Roberson got the rebound to give Tech (8-5) the win.

“We had a chance to win tonight, and that’s all you can ask for in a Big 12 arena on the road,” Lamar coach Steve Roccaforte said. “We didn’t execute that last play like we wanted to, but when McThay shot the ball, I thought it was going in.”

Knight was pleased with what he saw on McThay’s shot.

“Our defense played probably its single best possession we’ve had all year at the end there,” Knight said. “We got pressure on the shot and didn’t give up a rebound.”

Martin Zeno scored 28 points, and Alan Voskuil added 16 to lead the Red Raiders.

Tech never trailed and had a chance in the second half to put the game away, but Lamar (5-7) wouldn’t cooperate.

Top 25 Men

No. 19 Clemson 87, Alabama 61

Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The Tigers resumed their domination of the Southeastern Conference, handing Alabama its worst home loss in seven years in the process. Trevor Booker and James Mays scored 18 points each inside, and Terrence Oglesby added 17.