Baylor vs. Texas Tech: College basketball game preview, TV schedule
Baylor and Texas Tech will battle in the only top 25 match-up in the Big 12 opening night. Which teams adds another good win to their resume?
TV schedule: Friday, Dec. 29, 8:00 p.m. ET, Check Local Listings
Arena: United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas
Despite being ranked right now, the No. 22 Texas Tech Raiders 11-1 (0-0) might be the mystery in the Big 12. Although this team has a solid win over a good Nevada team, the vast majority of their non-conference schedule involved feasting on cupcakes. That’s led to some inflated numbers, such as the top defensive rating in the country and giving up under 60 ppg.
That’s not to say that this team doesn’t have much talent, as senior guard Keenan Evans is one of the better scorers in the league averaging 16.5 ppg. A couple of freshmen have made immediate impacts as well, with Zhaire Smith and Jarrett Culver each averaging 10.2 ppg. Their play has been important due to the struggles of senior forward Zach Smith, whose scoring less than five points a game from the previous season.
For No. 18 Baylor 10-2 (0-0), the duo of Manu Lecomte and Jo-Lual Acuil have been the stars of this team. Lecomte has career-highs in many categories in his final season, including an 18.4 ppg average. Acuil has been dominant down low, averaging a double-double in the non-conference (15.1 ppg and 10.0 rpg).
Things didn’t go perfectly for the Bears, as veteran forward TJ Maston broke his hand midway through the non-conference, and will be out for a bit longer. 6’9 senior Nuni Omot has filled in well in his place, averaging just under 12 ppg.
Last season, these two teams split their regular-season series, with each holding serve on their home court.
The point guard battle between Lecomte and Evans will be fun to watch, but how the Raiders deal with the Baylor seven footer Acuil will like to decide this game. Texas Tech doesn’t have the greatest size, which makes them vulnerable to teams like the Bears. I’ll gladly eat crow, but right now I’m not sold on Texas Tech, so I’ll go with the experience Baylor to win on the road.
Prediction: Baylor 73 – Texas Tech 65