TCU vs. Texas Tech: College basketball game preview, TV schedule
Texas Tech is battling some injuries and are in the midst of a four game losing streak. Can they get some momentum to beat TCU in the regular season finale?
TV schedule: Saturday, March 3, 4:00 p.m. ET. ESPN2
Arena: United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas
It’s been a tough stretch for Texas Tech 22-8 (10-7), having lost the team’s last few games. Their troubles started when their senior leader and top scorer Keenan Evans injured his toe in the first half against Baylor.
To his credit, he played the next couple of games, but it was clear he was severely limited. He couldn’t help the Red Raiders beat Kansas, giving the Jayhawks the Big 12 regular season title for the 14th consecutive year. After that emotional loss, Texas Tech (without Evans) went down 19-3 two days later in Morgantown. They fought back to make it somewhat competitive, but lost by 10 points to West Virginia.
At this point, there’s no reason for Chris Beard and the team to play Evans, as their position in the NCAA Tournament is already secured. Now it’s about getting him healthy for the Big 12 tournament.
While the Red Raiders are losing, TCU 21-9 (9-8) are thriving. The Horned Frogs have won their last four games, including this week’s 66-59 home win over Kansas State. Senior Kenrich Williams had another big game, scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in the victory.
With TCU at worst having a .500 record in arguably the toughest conference top to bottom in college basketball, Jamie Dixon will be taking this team to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in over 20 years. Even if they lose their final two games, the chances of missing the big dance are slim to none.
These two teams played earlier in the year, with Texas Tech winning in Fort Worth, 83-71. The Red Raiders led by 24 points at the half, led by Jarrett Culver’s 20 points, along with Evan’s 17 and six assists.
Next: March Player of the Year rankings
But the momentum is completely with the Horned Frogs, who have done a complete 180 degrees from last season’s late collapse.
Prediction: TCU 75 – Texas Tech 70