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Texas Tech Basketball: Keys for Sweet 16 matchup against Michigan

By Jason Kinander

TULSA, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 24: (L-R) Davide Moretti #25, Tariq Owens #11, and Matt Mooney #13 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrate their 78-58 victory over the Buffalo Bulls after their second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 24, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
TULSA, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 24: (L-R) Davide Moretti #25, Tariq Owens #11, and Matt Mooney #13 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrate their 78-58 victory over the Buffalo Bulls after their second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 24, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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DES MOINES, IOWA – MARCH 23: Ignas Brazdeikis #13 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after a dunk against the Florida Gators during the first half in the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 23, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
DES MOINES, IOWA – MARCH 23: Ignas Brazdeikis #13 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after a dunk against the Florida Gators during the first half in the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 23, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Prevent a breakout game from Michigan freshman Ignas Brazdeikis

While Michigan freshman forward Ignas Brazdeikis has been relatively quiet through his team’s first two NCAA Tournament games, the young budding star has the potential to explode against Texas Tech.

Brazdeikis scored just five points against Florida, but played by far the least minutes out of any of his fellow starters. If Brazdeikis gets more time on the floor, expect him to be a major factor on offense.

Especially on a Michigan team that has a severe lack of a top scorer, it can be anybody on any given day that has a big performance for the Wolverines. Given his silence through their first two tournament games, Brazdeikis is due.

The Red Raiders must do everything possible to limit a big game from Iggy. Whether it is having Jarrett Culver, one of the best defenders in the country, guarding him, or by paying extra attention to his presence down low, Texas Tech needs to assure that the young freshman forward does not explode for a big game in his team’s biggest game of the season.

Finally, the Red Raiders must keep into account that Michigan can score in many ways. They shouldn’t pay too much attention to Brazdeikis, but at the same time, they have to scheme for a breakout game from one of the more explosive freshmen in the country.

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