Texas Tech vs. Kansas State: College basketball game preview, TV schedule
The Red Raiders pulled off a massive win this week at Kansas. Can they keep it going with a home game versus Kansas State?
TV schedule: Saturday, Jan. 6, 4: 00 p.m. ET. Check Local Listings
Arena: United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas
In terms of early season surprises, Arizona State was getting most of the attention after being one of the last three undefeated teams. But a new darling appears to be arriving, this time from the Big 12 conference.
Texas Tech 13-1 (2-0) had a decent non-conference, but there were questions as to whether they stood in the Big 12. After dismantling Baylor to open league play then going to Allen Fieldhouse and somewhat soundly beating the Jayhawks, there’s no question that the Red Raiders are one of if not the best team in the conference.
Related Story: Texas Tech should be taken seriously after being Kansas
Keenan Evans is the best player on the team, averaging 16.6 ppg on a consistent basis. A pair of freshmen average just over 10 ppg off the bench in Zhaire Smith and Jarrett Culver. A number of other role players also help contribute to one of the best defenses in the country, giving up on average 593 ppg, good for fifth in the nation.
They’ll be taking on another impressive team so far in Kansas State 11-3 (1-1), a team that is coming off a competitive loss to No. 7 West Virginia. The Wildcats are usually led by a three-headed attack of Dean Wade, Barry Brown, and Kamau Stokes, but it was actually Xavier Sneed leading the team that night with 20 points on 6/9 shooting from three-point range.
Brown had 14 and Wade had 17 points respectively, but Stokes couldn’t hit anything from the field. He went 0/10 from the field but did have six assists, as well as guarding All-conference point guard Jevon Carter well all night long.
Next: Latest Big 12 power rankings
This should be a fun game to watch, as, although this game may lack star power and future NBA pros, there’s a lot of good basketball on the court. The main question for this game will be whether the Wildcats can score on this for real defense on the road. I’m not too sure, and, with the momentum on their side, expect the Red Raiders to receive a little more recognition nationally next week after this win.
Prediction: Texas Tech 81 – Kansas State 70