Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma: 2018-19 College basketball game preview, TV schedule
Oklahoma has been sliding as of late in the Big 12. Can they get back on track against Texas Tech for a quality resume win?
TV schedule: Saturday, February 9, 4:00 pm ET. ESPNU
Arena: Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma
Oklahoma 15-8 (3-7) has been going through a recent rut in Big 12 play, having lost the team’s last three games. The latest came this week at home versus No. 17 Iowa State, 75-74. Kristian Doolittle had a game-high 19 points and nine rebounds for the Sooners, with forward Brady Manek contributing with 16. The team’s leading scorer on the season Christian James had 10 points on 4/10 shooting from the field.
Although Oklahoma is 8th in the Big 12 at 3-7 and going on a similar downturned run like last year, their strong metrics and overall strength of schedule still has them projected into the NCAA Tournament by a safe margin. Still, it’s best that the Sooners end this losing streak and not slide into the bubble with a month to go this season.
They’ll have a tough task this weekend against another ranked foe in Texas Tech 18-5 (6-4). The Red Raiders have won three of four, including a dominant 31-point win at home this week over West Virginia. It was a team effort all-around, led by Brandone Francis‘s 16 points off the bench. With the Kansas Jayhawks losing games and key players just recently, the Big 12 is wide open and Texas Tech may be the team to finally dethrone the 14-time regular season champs.
These teams have already played against one another this season, with the Red Raiders winning 66-59. Jarrett Culver was the star of that game with 23 points, with no Sooner scoring more than 14 and being held to 32% shooting in the game.
Big 12 Power Rankings. dark. Next
While Kansas-State vs. Baylor has the most attention in the slate of Big 12 games, this matchup will determine not only if Texas Tech is a true contender for the top of the league but also whether the Sooners will continue their descend into bubble territory. Momentum is on the Red Raider’s side and it’ll help them get a close fought win over Oklahoma.