TCU vs. Texas Tech: Game preview, TV schedule, prediction

The Texas Tech Red Raiders got a huge win earlier in the week to stay in the Big 12 title race. Will TCU find a way to hurt their chances?

TV schedule: Saturday, February 3, 2:00 p.m. ET. ESPNU

Arena: Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena in Fort Wayne, Texas

There’s been already a ton of overtime action in the Big 12 basketball conference. On Wednesday, another occurred with Texas Tech 18-4 (7-3) beating Texas, 73-71, in the extra period.

The Red Raiders were largely in control throughout the game, but a late run by the Longhorns forced the game to go into overtime. But Keenan Evans, who might have an argument as being the best point guard in the conference, scored a career-high 38 points in the game on just 13 shots. Where he did his damage was at the line, where he was a personal best 18-for-20 on free throws.

With a win already at Kansas, Texas Tech is still in the thick of the regular season title race and remains unbeaten at home. The road is another issue, where they’re 1-3 in league play. That bodes well for their opponent in this game, TCU, who looks to get another huge win to make up for losing to Vanderbilt, the worst team in the SEC.

The Horned Frogs did rebound in their next game, beating Oklahoma State in their house, 79-66, but there needs to be more. That game was a team effort for them, with five different guys in double figures. Kenrich Williams had an all-around game, with 13 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

This is the first of a couple of battles between these teams, with the rematch coming at Texas Tech in the regular season finale. TCU’s resume looked good because of the great strength of schedule, but that loss to Vanderbilt is going to be a problem. That’s why beating a top-10 ranked team in the Red Raiders will be crucial to staying on the right side of the bubble.

Next: Big 12 Mid-season recap and awards

For this game, it’s a battle of both strengths and weaknesses, with Texas Tech being a great defensive team with a suspect offense while TCU is the other way around. It’ll be interesting to see how the Red Raiders will slow down the Horned Frogs’ balanced offense. On the other side, will Jamie Dixon’s team near-300 ranked defense be able to stop Chris Beard’s team?

Prediction: Texas Tech 76 – TCU 75

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