Texas Tech Basketball: Keys for Red Raiders against Buffalo in Round of 32
3. Come out hot to start the game
Against Northern Kentucky, it took a while for the Red Raiders to get going, trailing at times in the first half, and struggling to score the ball.
While they’d eventually win comfortably, Texas Tech simply cannot afford to get off to the same start against Buffalo on Sunday.
In their game against Arizona State, Buffalo came out swinging, leading from the start, and not looking back, winning fairly easily.
Buffalo will clearly look to get off to a similar start against Texas Tech, especially this time in a game with their backs against the wall. While Texas Tech isn’t as high-octane of a scoring team as Buffalo is, they have the means to stick with them.
In fact, Texas Tech has what it takes to out shoot Buffalo in the early going. This can happen by keeping the ball in the hands of Culver, while reaping increased production from Moretti and Mooney in particular. If all three players can shoot the ball, especially from beyond the arc, as they are capable of, then Texas Tech will not only get off to the hot start that they desire, but they should win this one somewhat easily.
Finally, Texas Tech might not be best suited to play in a shoot-out. The Red Raiders have the talent to stick with anyone, but they lack the type of shooting that it would take to take on Buffalo in a high-scoring game. Although offense will play a big enough role in Texas Tech’s start, defense might as well play an equally large role for the Red Raiders.
Big 12 Round of 64 takeaways. dark. Next
Texas Tech will look to get through Buffalo, and advance to their third consecutive Sweet Sixteen. It won’t be easy for the Red Raiders, who don’t exactly match up well against the Bulls, but as long as they follow the three aforementioned keys, they should be just fine en route to advancing in the tourney.