Texas Tech vs. West Virginia: College basketball game preview, TV schedule

Texas Tech suffered an emotional loss on Saturday to Kansas, all but ending the team’s title hopes. Will they be able to get up for a tough game versus West Virginia?

TV schedule: Monday, February 26, 9:00 p.m. ET. ESPN2

Arena: WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, West Virginia

After an incredible season, Texas Tech 22-7 (10-6) had a great opportunity to deny the Kansas Jayhawks a Big 12 regular season title. Bill Self’s team was rearing to go, taking the early lead and controlling the game.

But the Red Raiders were never out of it. And led by the freshmen duo of Zhaire Smith (20 points) and Jarrett Culver (18 points), they came back to make it a one possession game with a minute to go. Unfortunately, poor offensive execution was their undoing at the end of the game.

They were behind the eight ball from the very beginning, with Keenan Evans still dealing with a toe injury, and starter Justin Gray going down in the opening minute of the game. But Texas Tech did get back senior Zach Smith, whose been out for a while with an injury. His return will be crucial for the NCAA Tournament.

Right now though, the Red Raiders need to gain some momentum, losing three straight heading into this game against West Virginia 21-8 (10-6). The Mountaineers have won two in a row since losing to Kansas themselves. They beat Iowa State 85-70, with Jevon Carter leading all scorers with 24 points.

The senior leader for Bob Huggin’s team has quietly been fantastic for them, getting himself in the history books. Now, he’ll have to prepare for both the conference tournament and the NCAA tournament.

In the first meeting between these teams, Texas Tech prevailed by just one point. It was the biggest win in Lubbock in over a decade, with Evans leading the way with 20 points. The Red Raiders had to survive Carter’s 28 points.

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There’s very little going Texas Tech’s way. They’re hurt both physically and emotional after Saturday and will have to play against a tough Mountaineers team. I still think they’ll fight hard and make it close, but West Virginia is the heavy favorites to win.

Prediction: Texas Tech 66 – West Virginia 75