Busting Brackets
Fansided

NCAA Basketball: Preview of the 2018-19 Big 12/SEC Challenge

By Jason Kinander

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - JANUARY 21: K.J. Lawson #13 of the Kansas Jayhawks controls the ball as Talen Horton-Tucker #11 and Nick Weiler-Babb #1 of the Iowa State Cyclones defend during the game at Allen Fieldhouse on January 21, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - JANUARY 21: K.J. Lawson #13 of the Kansas Jayhawks controls the ball as Talen Horton-Tucker #11 and Nick Weiler-Babb #1 of the Iowa State Cyclones defend during the game at Allen Fieldhouse on January 21, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 11
Next
LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 16: Jarrett Culver #23 and Tariq Owens #11 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders react to made basket during the second half of the game against the Iowa State Cyclones on January 16, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Iowa State defeated Texas Tech 68-64. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 16: Jarrett Culver #23 and Tariq Owens #11 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders react to made basket during the second half of the game against the Iowa State Cyclones on January 16, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Iowa State defeated Texas Tech 68-64. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

Arkansas vs #14 Texas Tech

Last week, Texas Tech looked like one of the best teams in the country, and the clear favorite to win the Big 12.

Now, after losing three games in a row, the Red Raiders are looking horrible. Sure they’re still ranked, but after a loss to Baylor at home, things just have not looked right in Lubbock.

Regardless, the Red Raiders are still a good team. Led by potential Big 12 Player of the Year Jarrett Culver, Chris Beard has done a great job with this Tech team. Arguably the top defensive team in the nation, behind Culver’s offense and the team’s defense, Texas Tech is scary.

For Arkansas, the Razorbacks are fighting for a bubble bid. At 11-7 they could use a signature win, and nothing better than knocking off a ranked Texas Tech team on the road. Arkansas needs a win, and after looking pretty sluggish in conference player, they’ve got to get it going if they want to make it back to the NCAA Tournament.

Given Texas Tech’s recent struggles and the fact that Arkansas is a solid team, I think this game might be closer than the ranking tell. However, I think Texas Tech is just too good to continue their slump.

Not only does their losing streak end, but Jarrett Culver puts up another massive game. Put Culver on Player of the Year watch after this one, I have a good feeling about it.

Prediction: Texas Tech 65, Arkansas 55

Home/Big 12