Texas Tech Basketball: Keys for Final Four matchup vs Michigan State

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Tariq Owens #11 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 30, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts after a foul is called on the Michigan Wolverines during the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 28, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

1. Let Jarrett Culver be the one in command

Throughout the duration of this year’s NCAA Tournament, the basketball world has been introduced to the best-kept secret in all of college basketball, Texas Tech superstar Jarrett Culver.

Culver’s play has been at the very center of the Red Raiders’ run this March, and his shooting, defense, and overall presence on offense played an immeasurable role in Texas Tech’s win over Gonzaga.

On Saturday against the Spartans, Culver has to play his absolute best game of the season.

The sophomore star is typically scoring in the mid-20s and rebounding/assisting over five. Culver will need to perform to nothing short of that in order for Texas Tech to advance to the Championship game.

The Spartans were able to minimize the impact of Duke superstar Zion Williamson in the Elite Eight and will look to do the same against Culver. Therefore, Texas Tech cannot lean too heavily on Culver as a scorer. Regardless of his point total, it is a given that Culver will make an impact on defense, as well as in facilitating the offense.

Whether it be with his scoring or pure presence, Texas Tech must at least attempt to run the offense through one of their best players in program history, Jarrett Culver.

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