Texas Tech Basketball: 3 biggest keys for the Red Raiders to beat Duke

By Brian Rauf | Dec 19, 2018

LUBBOCK, TX - FEBRUARY 13: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders talks with Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the game against 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) /

1 of 4

MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 01: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders shoots a three pointer against the Memphis Tigers during the HoopHall Miami Invitational at American Airlines Arena on December 1, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Texas Tech Basketball has a chance to solidify themselves as a top 10 team if they can beat Duke. Here are the biggest keys for the Red Raiders in that game.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders have emerged as one of the biggest surprises in the country this season, posting a 10-0 record with wins over USC, Nebraska, and Memphis.

Head coach Chris Beard’s squad was expected to take a step back after losing both Keenan Evans and Zhaire Smith from last year’s Elite Eight team, but they’ve been as solid and reliable as anyone.

They’ve been one of the nation’s best defensive teams on an annual basis under Beard, and this year’s squad might be his best yet. Tech currently has the nation’s most efficient defense according to KenPom, and they rank in the top six nationally in effective field goal percentage defense, block percentage, and forced turnover percentage.

That’s not to say Texas Tech’s offense has been bad. Guard Jarrett Culver has stepped up and quietly become a first-team All-Big 12 caliber performer, averaging 19.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. They also have more depth than we expected with six players averaging over seven points per game, headlined by South Dakota transfer Matt Mooney (11.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.5 apg).

However, for as good as the Red Raiders have been, they will face arguably their biggest test of the season against Duke on Thursday in Madison Square Garden. They enter as underdogs, but how can they pull off the upset?

Here are the three biggest keys for Texas Tech against Duke.

Home/Texas Tech Red Raiders