Kansas vs. Texas Tech: College basketball game preview, TV schedule
The Jayhawks’ consecutive Big 12 titles are considered in serious jeopardy with the overall power of the league. Will Kansas send a big statement by beating Texas Tech in a battle of the Big 12’s best?
TV schedule: Tuesday, Jan. 2, 9:00 p.m. ET. ESPN
Arena: Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas
Bill Self is considered one of the best coaches of his era, with over 600 wins amassed, a couple of Final Fours, and a national title to go along with it.
He showed it again in the last game that Kansas 11-2 (1-0) played, a 92-86 win in Austin against Texas. At first, the Jayhawks had a gameplan to go after the freshman Mo Bamba. Eight blocked shots later, Self had to try something different. 17 three-pointers (11 in the second half) later, Kansas prevailed, with each of his core players contributing in the win.
One of them was center Udoka Azubuike, who produced a double-double while dealing with Bamba all night. What made his performance all the more amazing was that the sophomore revealed after the game that his lower back has been bothering him, making his appearance for that game questionable. He should be good to go for Tuesday night, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
The Jayhawks’ offense will have to go up against the great defense of the Red Raiders, who shut down Baylor at home in the 77-53 win. The Red Raiders had a weak non-conference schedule, with Nevada being the only good offense they’ve played so far. Even in the Baylor game, there were injuries that hobbled the Bears coming in.
This will be the first true test for Chris Beard’s defense, which is ranked second in the country in allowing points with 58.2 ppg. The team is also ranked first in the nation in defensive rating, as well. But don’t sleep on their talented offense led by guard Keenan Evans along with a pair of freshmen Zhaire Smith and Jarrett Culver.
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Regardless of the number of bodies Kansas throws out there, the team will always be legit year in and year out. However, Texas Tech is a different question with another lackluster pre-conference slate of games. Even a close game should silence the doubters, but I personally doubt that the Red Raiders will come into Allen Fieldhouse and win this game.
Prediction: Kansas 78 – Texas Tech 67