Texas Tech Basketball: 5 questions for the game against Iowa State

Texas Tech needs a win to salvage this week. Here are five questions concerning the team’s game versus Iowa State.

1. How will the team recover from the loss of Zach Smith?

In some ways, the Red Raiders never really had him this year, as his pedestrian numbers can be attributed to an ankle/foot injury he’s been dealing with since the beginning of the year.

But even still, his senior leadership and inspiring toughness while playing hurt cannot be calculated. Now out indefinitely with a broken foot, Texas Tech is down a scoring post player. Texas was able to easily shut them down in the post, can Iowa State do the same?

2. Which Cyclone is the most important player to game plan against?

Iowa State has two guys who each average 16 ppg in guards Donovan Jackson and Lindell Wigginton. But I’d argue that the guy who could cause the biggest trouble is Nick Weiler-Babb. The junior has been the engine for the Cyclones, averaging 12 ppg, 7.4 rpg, and 7.6 apg. The Red Raiders can stop scorers, but how will they deal with this kind of player?

3. Will the freshmen duo go off this game?

The duo I am referring to is Zhaire Smith and Jarrett Culver, both of whom averages over 10 ppg and are very consistent for freshmen. They combined for 29 points and 16 rebounds in the last game and, with the senior Smith out, will need to do even more.

4. Is Keenan Evans doing too much?

The biggest reason easily for Texas Tech being a top-10 team is the excellent play of the senior guard. Still, having to be both the top offensive option as well as the defensive stopper can be tiring. Evans only had 11 points last time out and the team lost. Does he have to be a 17 ppg scorer, or can others help fill in?

5. Can Texas Tech win consistently on the road?

Out of the six conference games, the team is undefeated at home. Judging by the home crowd in last Saturday’s West Virginia game, their home court looks to be brutal for opponents this season. On the road, Texas Tech has an awesome win over Kansas and two other losses.

Next: Where are these teams in our Big 12 rankings?

Of course, Texas Tech is going to lose on the road, but I’m asking this question in regards to the Raiders being a serious contender to win the Big 12. In order to keep up with the other top teams, a winning record on the road is a must. That includes this game.