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SportsPulse: It was nothing but respect between Texas Tech and Michigan State after the Red Raiders knocked off the Spartans in their Final Four matchup.
USA TODAY

Thousands of Texas Tech students celebrated the team’s Final Four victory by flipping cars, committing acts of vandalism and even setting rental scooters on fire in the streets of Lubbock, Texas late Saturday night according to multiple reports. 

Students flooded the streets of the northwest Texas town after the Red Raiders advanced to their first ever men’s national championship game and the scene quickly devolved into chaos. 

Reports say the massive crowd of Rowdy Red Raider fans made bonfires out of couches in the streets surrounding the university. Witness photos show crowds climbing to the roofs of buildings and to the top of telephone poles. Some revelers even set fire to Lime rental scooters to commerate their sechool’s triumph over Michigan State. 

Eventually, police in riot gear were forced to deploy tear gas to disperse the mob after they failed to head warnings to leave the area, according to witness accounts.   

The City of Lubock issued a statement comdemning the actions of the students after the crowds dwindled, saying: 

“After Texas Tech defeated Michigan State, hundreds of fans gathered & engaged in dangerous, & disappointing behavior including vandalizing property. We are proud, & excited, for Texas Tech; but that behavior will not be tolerated. We want Red Raider fans to support the team & celebrate lawfully and responsibly. We’re on the national stage so make Lubbock proud.”

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