MINNEAPOLIS — Here it was, the first Final Four appearance for Texas Tech, and a recipe for disaster was unfolding. The Red Raiders’ best player, Jarrett Culver, was missing in action, unable to locate his shot or his confidence. Their most dynamic player, Tariq Owens, had injured his ankle and had to be helped off the court. Their double-digit lead had been cut to a single point.

No matter, though, for Texas Tech.

The Red Raiders leaned on their defense, a deep reservoir of resolve and the cocksure shooting of guard Matt Mooney to hold off Michigan State, 61-51, and advance to the N.C.A.A. championship game on Monday night.

Texas Tech (31-6) will meet Virginia (34-3), which stunned Auburn and, like the Red Raiders, will be making its first trip to the title game.

[Read about Virginia’s victory over Auburn here.]

Helping Texas Tech through was Mooney, who scored 22 points — including three second half 3-pointers — and a defense that has carried the team this far.