Tonight the focus of the college hoops world turns to Austin because No. 4 Texas (10-1, 4-0) hosts No. 15 Texas Tech (10-3, 3-2) at 8 p.m. on ESPN2. The Longhorns have a six-game winning streak while the Red Raiders have recently discovered some much improved form on offense.
Chris Beard's teams are known for defense and this team isn't any different. Texas Tech is the No. 5 adjusted efficiency defense in the country thanks in large part to its ability to force turnovers, limit assists, and force teams often into contested, difficult shots. If there is one defensive weakness, though, the Red Raiders aren't a great defensive rebounding team while Texas has emerged as one of the better offensive rebounding teams in the country.
Led by Georgetown transfer and point guard Mac McClung, Texas Tech often, like Texas, plays the equivalent of a four-guard lineup with the ability of fours to also play the three. Texas can choose to put more size on the floor than Texas Tech, but the Red Raiders have excelled on offense by attacking mismatches, getting into the paint, and getting to the free throw line or grabbing an offensive rebound at an outstanding rate. UT's defensive rebounding and ability to defend the ball will be tested this evening. The battle between Marcus Santos-Silva and Jericho Sims will be an important one because neither team can afford for their starting five to be in foul trouble; it would totally change the complexion of the game.
Betting line: Texas -1.5; O/U 130.5 (opened Texas -3; O/U 134)
KenPom.com prediction: No. 6 Texas 68, No. 13 Texas Tech 64
BartTorvik.com prediction: No. 6 Texas 68, No. 11 Texas Tech 64
Dustin's thoughts: In terms of personnel and the style Texas Tech plays, I think this will be the most difficult game Texas has played so far this season with Villanova being the only exception. The Red Raiders are very good at eliminating the ball from reaching the middle on offense and extend offenses beyond the perimeter to operate in uncomfortable spots late in the clock, which we know has been an issue for Texas at times. What helped Texas a lot in the previous matchup was shooting 10-of-22 from beyond the arc because the Longhorns only attempted 24 two-point shots. Considering Texas has endured some major issues fouling on defense earlier this season and some defensive rebounding issues as well, I think there's a very real chance the winning steak ends tonight; the Longhorns are likely going to need to play at least a B+ kind of game unless Texas Tech flops after regaining its form.
Longhorn guards must remain committed to trying to work the ball into the paint any way possible, and need to win their battles on the defensive end. If those two things happen, and Sims stays out of foul trouble, Texas should hold a late lead.
Chris Beard's teams are known for defense and this team isn't any different. Texas Tech is the No. 5 adjusted efficiency defense in the country thanks in large part to its ability to force turnovers, limit assists, and force teams often into contested, difficult shots. If there is one defensive weakness, though, the Red Raiders aren't a great defensive rebounding team while Texas has emerged as one of the better offensive rebounding teams in the country.
Led by Georgetown transfer and point guard Mac McClung, Texas Tech often, like Texas, plays the equivalent of a four-guard lineup with the ability of fours to also play the three. Texas can choose to put more size on the floor than Texas Tech, but the Red Raiders have excelled on offense by attacking mismatches, getting into the paint, and getting to the free throw line or grabbing an offensive rebound at an outstanding rate. UT's defensive rebounding and ability to defend the ball will be tested this evening. The battle between Marcus Santos-Silva and Jericho Sims will be an important one because neither team can afford for their starting five to be in foul trouble; it would totally change the complexion of the game.
Betting line: Texas -1.5; O/U 130.5 (opened Texas -3; O/U 134)
KenPom.com prediction: No. 6 Texas 68, No. 13 Texas Tech 64
BartTorvik.com prediction: No. 6 Texas 68, No. 11 Texas Tech 64
Dustin's thoughts: In terms of personnel and the style Texas Tech plays, I think this will be the most difficult game Texas has played so far this season with Villanova being the only exception. The Red Raiders are very good at eliminating the ball from reaching the middle on offense and extend offenses beyond the perimeter to operate in uncomfortable spots late in the clock, which we know has been an issue for Texas at times. What helped Texas a lot in the previous matchup was shooting 10-of-22 from beyond the arc because the Longhorns only attempted 24 two-point shots. Considering Texas has endured some major issues fouling on defense earlier this season and some defensive rebounding issues as well, I think there's a very real chance the winning steak ends tonight; the Longhorns are likely going to need to play at least a B+ kind of game unless Texas Tech flops after regaining its form.
Longhorn guards must remain committed to trying to work the ball into the paint any way possible, and need to win their battles on the defensive end. If those two things happen, and Sims stays out of foul trouble, Texas should hold a late lead.
