In one of the biggest battles in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, Kentucky Basketball travels to Lubbock to face Texas Tech. Here is how Kentucky can come away with a win.
One of the marquee matchups of the SEC/Big 12 Challenge takes place in Lubbock, Texas when No. 15 Kentucky Basketball takes on the No. 18 Texas Tech Red Raiders. The Wildcats (14-4) enter the game-winners in six of their last seven with the only blemish being a loss at South Carolina, while Chris Beard’s Red Raiders (12-6) have won eight of their last ten which began with an upset of No. 1 Louisville 70-57. This is a matchup that could be a preview of a Sweet Sixteen (or better) game come March Madness.
The two teams are evenly matched statistically, Texas Tech averages 72.7 points per game, have four players that average double figures and defensively they surrender 61.8 points per contest. By contrast, John Calipari’s Wildcats net 75.7 points per game with the same four players in double figures and give up 64.7 points per game to their opponents.
With eyes on an SEC regular-season title and a potential top-three seed in the NCAA Tournament, a Kentucky win over Texas Tech on Saturday would be another bullet point on their resume. Obviously, with two teams so close statistically, this game will be tight and it won’t take much for something to be the tipping point in this contest. If the Wildcats are to come away with a road victory there are a few factors that will be key on both ends of the floor. Here are a few of those keys for a Kentucky win in this all-important contest.