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Texas Tech basketball: Five questions for the Red Raider’s game against Kansas

By Tristan Freeman

LUBBOCK, TX - JANUARY 31: Keenan Evans
LUBBOCK, TX - JANUARY 31: Keenan Evans /
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LUBBOCK, TX – FEBRUARY 13: The Texas Tech Red Raiders mascot ‘Raider Red’ stands on the court prior to the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Oklahoma Sooners on February 13, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma 88-78. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
LUBBOCK, TX – FEBRUARY 13: The Texas Tech Red Raiders mascot ‘Raider Red’ stands on the court prior to the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Oklahoma Sooners on February 13, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma 88-78. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

Which role player will have the biggest contribution?

Although there aren’t many prolific scorers on this team, everyone has played a part in getting the Red Raiders to this point. Everyone who plays is at worst, an above average defender individually, with the team defense considered one of the best in the nation.

On offense, a number of guys contributes several points a night. And while that doesn’t seem like much, if multiple players can do that regularly, combined with the team defense, you can see how wins add up.

Against Kansas earlier in the season, nine players played at least 10 minutes. Each had at least four points, with five guys scoring  11+ points. It was the same thing when it came to rebounding, with at least six Red Raiders grabbing at least four rebounds.

One player to keep and eye on is Norense Odiase, a 6’9 265 forward for Texas Tech. This isn’t a team with huge size, so he’ll be called on to deal with Kansas Udoka Azubuike. He did a good job containing him in the first matchup, limiting the sophomore Jayhawk to 11 points and seven rebounds.

With Evans hurt, there will be a need like never before for an unsung hero to emerge, especially the upperclassmen. Who’ll be that guy on Saturday?

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