LUBBOCK (1080 KRLD) - Texas Tech has cancelled classes ahead of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Monday night.
The Red Raiders are playing for their first championship, and Texas Tech has cancelled classes after 5 p.m. Monday and all day Tuesday. After Texas Tech beat Michigan State Saturday, Lubbock police say thousands of fans filled the streets and "engaged in dangerous and disappointing behavior including vandalizing property." "We are proud and excited for Texas Tech, but that behavior will not be tolerated," the City of Lubbock wrote in a statement. "We want Red Raider fans to support the team and celebrate lawfully and responsibly. We're on the national stage, so make Lubbock proud." Some people posted video, showing fans tip a car and burning rental scooters. Police in riot gear were seen moving through the crowd.
Lubbock police say they had extra officers on duty spread throughout the city before the game. They say officers on standby moved in when a "small group of people began to damage property." Lubbock police say they tried to contain the celebration to one block. When the crowd started damaging property, police say they ordered everyone to leave, and they fired tear gas to try to control the crowd. Police say at least ten scooters and one car were damaged
Police have not made any arrests, but they say they are still investigating and people who were involved could face charges of rioting, arson and criminal mischief.