Texas Tech vs. Michigan: 2019 NCAA Tournament game preview, TV schedule
Two of the best defensive teams in the country face off in the Sweet 16 between Michigan and Texas Tech. Which program moves on a step closer to the Final Four?
TV schedule: Thursday, March 28, 9:39 pm ET. (approx) CBS
Arena: Honda Center in Anaheim, California
While the Virginia Cavaliers are considered the top defensive team in all of college basketball, there are two teams who have been just as good this season on that end. Michigan (No. 2 in ppg allowed with 58.2) and Texas Tech (No. 3 in ppg allowed with 59.2) have been right up there all season on defense which has given them respective damages.
As expected, Michigan (30-6) has locked down on the defensive end, giving up 55 points to Montana and just 49 to Florida. Jordan Poole had a big game with a game-high 19 points while Zavier Simpson flirted with a triple-double with nine points, nine rebounds and nine assists. The Wolverines held the Gators to just 35% from the field and took two free throw attempts. The fact that Ignas Brazdeikis didn’t perform well with just five points in the game and Michigan still won comfortably should concern future opponents.
Texas Tech (28-6) and their star player Jarrett Culver did play well in their Round of 32 matchup. He led the team with 16 points in their 78-58 victory over Buffalo, one of the entire starting lineup scoring double figures. The Red Raiders held the high-powered Bulls to just 37% shooting from the field and forced 16 turnovers. Including giving up just 57 points to Northern Kentucky in the previous game, Chris Beard’s team continues to show why winning the Big 12 Regular Season title was no fluke.
These are two teams with mirror games. Brazdeikis and Culver are both capable of going for 20+, Tariq Owens of Texas Tech and Jon Teske of Michigan are two of the best frontcourt defenders in the country and both programs have great supporting backcourts. With neither team liking to allow over 60 points in a given game, this one could end up being a “first to 50” battle.
Next. Ranking the Sweet 16 teams. dark
With everything so even between the teams and all buckets mattering, Texas Tech’s ability to shoot the three-pointer will be the difference in this close contest.