It's a big one tonight Hornfans. The Red Raiders roll off the South Plains and into Austin, bringing with them a #15 ranking, a 10-3 record, wins over Oklahoma and Kansas State, and a whopping 91-64 win over Iowa State (a much bigger margin than we beat ISU by). Tech has outscored opponents 982-754, outrebounded opponents 469-416, holds a turnover lead over opponents of 239-146, and has blocked an average of 4.2 shots per game--with our shot blockers on the same court, that should be entertaining.
Tech's scoring is mostly spread over a number of guards, who are good outside shooters (33.1 3-point %). It's not a matter of just shutting down 1 or 2 hot hands (although slowing down Shannon and Edwards from the 3-point line would go a long ways--see eye-popping 3-point percentages below). Tech wins by outside shooting and good D. They're sort of like us, but without the excellent big men. Tech's scoring leaders are:
Mac McClung (G) - 15.3 points per game (.311 3-point %)
Terren Shannon, Jr. (G, 6'6") - 13.6 points per game (.393 3-point %)
Kyler Edwards (G) - 10.6 points per game (.369 3-point %)
Kevin McCullar - (G, 6'6") 10.3 points per game
Marcus Santos-Silva (F, 6'7") - 8.7 points per game
Note, two of these guards are 6'6", and could create some match-up challenges. The only man on the team taller than 6'7" is a big 7'1" Russian Freshman, Vladislav Goldin. Vlad only averages 2.8 points per game and 1.5 rebounds per game, so he's not much of a force in the paint. Not yet. Note, the Red Raiders have not faced anywhere near the level of non-conference opponents we've faced, so they haven't been through the gauntlet.
Look for us to work it down to Kai, Brown, and Sims more than in past games, and for some rough action as we dominate the boards. Tech plays tough defense, although not as tough as ours. It's two top defenses squaring off. We should have the advantage on the boards--that could be the difference.
https://wtop.com/ncaa-basketball/2021/01/no-15-texas-tech-looks-to-knock-off-no-4-texas/
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Last edited: Jan 13, 2021