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Bob Knight claims record for college coaching victories

Texas Tech basketball coach Bob Knight, center, celebrates with guard Charlie Burgess, left, and forward Martin Zeno following their game against New Mexico in Lubbock, Texas, on Monday. Texas Tech won 70-68, giving Knight his 880th victory. PHOTO: AP

Bob Knight collected his 880th win as a coach in the high-stakes world of US collegiate basketball on Sunday, passing North Carolina legend Dean Smith for the record for most career victories.

Knight's Texas Tech held on for a 70-68 victory over New Mexico for the New Year's Day triumph, which wasn't secured until a desperation 3-pointer by New Mexico bounced away at the buzzer.

"I don't know if this has affected our team," Knight said of his progress toward Smith's record. "If anything, I'm glad it's all over with."

Knight deflected or ignored questions about his climb up the list, as he first passed Adolph Rupp and then zeroed in on Smith.

In his first chance at win No. 880, Texas Tech came up short on Thursday, falling behind by double digits early against the University of Nevada at Las Vegas and never making the game close afterward.

Knight, 66 and in his 41st season of collegiate coaching, is now 880-354 all-time at Texas Tech, the University of Indiana and Army. He won three national titles at Indiana in 1976, 1981 and 1987.
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