The Red Raiders rank in the bottom half of the Big 12 in almost every major category, and have nothing to play for at this point in the season. Â This is exactly why this is the most dangerous team in the Big 12. Â The Red Raiders would love nothing more than to upset big brother Texas and ruin the Longhorns’ chance to get an NCAA tournament automatic bid.
The Red Raiders are a young, but scrappy team. Â They are led by freshman forward Jordan Tolbert. Â The 6-7 Fort Worth native is averaging a team high 11 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
Texas:
The Longhorns travel to Lubbock this weekend in search of their 18th win this season. Â Even though Texas Tech is 1-13 so far in conference, they have proven they can be dangerous at home by beating Oklahoma by 18 a couple of weeks ago. Â Having lost their last 2 games, Texas is now back in the bubble conversation. Â Texas needs to finish the season strong in order to strengthen an average NCAA tournament resume. Â While a win at Texas Tech doesn’t help much, a loss would eliminate any chance the Longhorns have to get an at large bid this year.
Players to Watch:
– Jordan Tolbert: Texas Tech goes as Tolbert goes. Â Tolbert will work hard on the glass and get a lot of points the way Mike Singletary used to do for the Red Raiders.
– Jaye Crockett: Like Tolbert, Crockett is a very good rebounder. Â His 5.7 rebound per game are only 2nd on the team to Tolbert’s 5.8. Â After watching the way Quincy Acy took over the game late inside, I would’ve be surprised if Gillespie sends Crockett hard to the offensive glass this Saturday.
– Ty Nurse: Texas Tech’s best guard. Â Texas will have to contain him.
– Myck Kabongo: Kabongo has played very well of late. Â This game is important for his confidence going into the last month of the season. Â He needs to control the game, get the Longhorns into the offense, and stay out of foul trouble. Â When Myck Kabongo plays well, Texas has a chance to win.
– Texas’ Senior Big Men: Clint Chapman and Alexi Wangmene have been no shows the last couple of games. Â Ever since Wangmene had a breakout game against Kansas State, he has played poorly. Â In fact, he has almost as many fouls(12) as he does rebounds(13) in that stretch. Â Chapman has also taken a huge step backward from what he was doing early in the Big 12 schedule. Â Clint scored 20 points and pulled down 9 rebounds in the last game against Texas Tech, he has scored 26 points and pulled down 15 rebounds in the 5 games since. Â An average of 3 rebounds per game is pitiful for a 6’10 center. Â Texas needs Wangmene and Chapman to step up their play. Â This Saturday is Texas Tech is as good a time as any.
TELEVISION PROGRAMMING:
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