Can KU handle road test in Lubbock vs. Texas Tech? Plus, betting odds & prediction
The No. 4-ranked Kansas men’s basketball team will travel to Lubbock to play rival Texas Tech on Monday night.
The Jayhawks (19-5, 7-4 Big 12) beat Baylor on Saturday. Meanwhile, Texas Tech beat UCF.
Kansas leads the all-time series against the Red Raiders 42-7.
Below is a scouting report and prediction of the game:
No. 4 Kansas vs. No. 23 Texas Tech
When/where: 8 p.m., United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas
TV/streaming: ESPN
Opponent’s record: 17-6, 6-4 Big 12
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) Ranking: 38
Betting line: Texas Tech is a 2.5-point favorite
All statistics are from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and EvanMiya. KenPom stats only include Division I competition.
Texas Tech Team Strengths
Quality offense: The Red Raiders rank No. 13 in adjusted offensive efficiency (97). Adjusted offensive efficiency is the amount of points scored per 100 possessions. In comparison, Kansas ranks No. 32.
Free throw makers: Texas Tech ranks No. 19 in free-throw percentage (77.9%).
Great from deep: Tech shoots 37.5% from 3-point range, ranking No. 25 in the country.
Texas Tech Team Weaknesses
Rebounding issues: Texas Tech ranks No. 271 in defensive rebounding rate (31.3%).
Bench minutes: The Red Raiders don’t use their bench much, ranking No. 327 bench minutes percentage (23.7%).
Minutes continuity: Texas Tech doesn’t bring many familiar faces, with the team ranking No. 258 in minutes continuity percentage (25.1%).
Texas Tech Name to Know
6–foot-2 sophomore guard Pop Isaacs (No. 5)
+ Leading scorer (16.9 ppg)
+ Good rebounder for his size (3.1 rebounds per game)
+ Good free throw shooter (shooting 82.6% from the line)
+ Quick hands (1 steals per game)
+ Quality facilitator (3.7 assists per game)
- Not a great shooter from deep (shooting 32.8% from 3-point land)
- Turnover prone (2.5 per game)
Tale of the Tape
Texas Tech’s Warren Washington is shooting 72.1% at the rim, so he’s always a threat toward the rim. Here, Washington converges to the rim and receives an inside pass, which he turns into a slam dunk.
For the Jayhawks, the key will be to form a wall around the rim and keep an eye on Washington on fast breaks. Texas Tech shoots 40.7% of its shots at the rim on fast breaks. So Kansas needs to limit turnovers and protect the paint.
Game Prediction
This game will be a big test for the Jayhawks. KU’s defense faces a tough test in Texas Tech’s elite offense.
For Kansas, the main focus will be to limit the Red Raiders’ from deep and keep turnovers at a minimum. Every extra possession gives Tech another chance to create separation and let a rowdy home crowd influence the game.
It’ll be tough for KU to pull this one out, between potential missing starters and playing on the road.
I like Texas Tech in this one.
Texas Tech 73, Kansas 71
Shreyas’ pick to cover the spread: Kansas (-2.5)
Shreyas’ season record: 16-6
Shreyas’ record against the spread: 12-10
KU Player to watch: KJ Adams
If Kansas starters Dajaun Harris and Kevin McCullar don’t play, the Jayhawks will need a big game from KJ Adams on both ends of the floor.
He needs to be decisive and aggressive on the offensive end while boxing out and collecting rebounds.
