Two solid defensive teams go at it in an instate Big 12 matchup featuring TCU and Texas Tech. The Red Raiders lead the all time series 75-42, and have won 6 of the last 10 matchups head to head.
TCU won their last game on Saturday 55-50 at home over Florida. Last Saturday (1/19) they lost on the road to Kansas State 65-55, and last Wednesday (1/23) they beat Texas 65-61 at home.
Texas Tech won their last game on Saturday 67-64 over Arkansas. Last Saturday (1/19) they lost 73-62 to Baylor on the road, and last Tuesday (1/22) they lost 58-45 to Kansas State 58-45.
TCU is 12-7 ATS on the season, 3-2 ATS on the road, and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games. Texas Tech is 6-13-1 ATS on the season, 4-8-1 ATS at home, and 1-8-1 ATS in their last 10 games.
Bovada has the Red Raiders as 4.5 point favourites with an O/U total of 130.
As a team, TCU averages 76.9 PPG, 37.5 RPG, 18.1 APG, 4 BPG, 6.9 SPG and 13 TPG. Teamwide, they shoot 47.2% from the field, 35% from 3 point range, and 69.4% from the free throw line. Defensively, they hold opponents to 66 PPG, 32.8 RPG, 40.5% shooting from the field, and 27.8% shooting from 3 point range.
Their scoring is well distributed, and they are paced by Desmond Bane, who averages 15 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 1.1 SPG while shooting 50.2% from the field, 35.1% from 3, and 89.4% from the free throw line. Kouat Noi is a solid #2, averaging 14.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 1.2 SPG while shooting 48.8% from the field, 40.4% from 3, and 78.1% from the free throw line. Alex Robinson contributed 12.9 PPG, 7.7 APG, and 1.7 SPG. J.D. Miller (10.5 PPG/6.5 RPG/2.1 APG), Kevin Samuel (7.7 PPG/7.2 RPG/1.6 BPG), and Kendric Davis (5.3 PPG/1.4 RPG/1.7 APG) give the Horned Frogs big minutes as well.
Key Injuries
G Jaylen Fisher (transfer) – out
Texas Tech has struggled offensively, averaging 70.1 PPG, and average 34.2 RPG, 13.5 APG, 5 BPG, 7.4 SPG, and 13 TPG. As a team they shoot 46.9% from the floor, 34.3% from 3 point range, and 70.4% from the free throw line. Defensively, they hold opponents to 56.4 PPG, 31.9 RPG, 35.7% shooting from the field, and 26.1% shooting from 3 point range.
Jarrett Culver leads the Red Raiders with 18.5 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.9 APG, and 1.4 SPG while shooting 52.5% from the floor, 38.2% from 3, and 67.9% from the free throw line. Davide Moretti puts up 10.4 PPG, 2.1 APG, and 1.3 SPG while shooting 47.4% from the field, 39.7% from 3, and 90.2% from the free throw line. Matt Mooney chips in 10.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, and 1.7 SPG. Tariq Owens (8.0 PPG/5.1 RPG/2.1 BPG), Kyler Edwards (6.2 PPG/2.5 RPG/41.9% from 3), Brandone Francis (5.6 PPG/2.4 RPG/0.8 SPG), and Deshawn Corprew (5.5 PPG/3.8 RPG/35.7% from 3) contribute as well.
This has the makings of a knockdown, drag out type of matchup with excellent defense and fundamental basketball from both ends. TCU is a fringe top 25 team, who has flirted with the 25 spot recently, and will want to make a statement on the road against a stifling Texas Tech defense. TCU is more adept offensively, led by a pair of wings in Bane and Noi who can beat defenses inside and out, as well as surrounding those 2 with above average 3 point shooters.
Texas Tech on the other hand tries to slow the game down and let Jarrett Culver take over games. Both teams feature good on ball defenders capable of creating opportunistic turnovers, as well as solid paint protectors in Samuel (TCU) and Owens (TTU) who alter shots with length and vertical ability. Texas Tech has kind of skated by on good defense and ball control offensively, but when they meet a team who much like them plays stout defensively but is more well rounded offensively they have struggled (Iowa State, Kansas State). They have really struggled offensively the last 5 games, averaging just over 61 PPG and going 1-8-1 ATS.
This one should come down to the wire, and it is easier to feel confident in TCU down the stretch due to their more well rounded offense and the ability for any player on the floor to knock down open shots.
Final Pick: TCU Horned Frogs (+4.5)
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