Texas Tech Basketball: 2019-20 keys for home win over Kentucky Wildcats
3. Terrence Shannon Jr. vs Wildcat role players
It’s clear that Kentucky and its multiple former McDonald All-Americans have the edge when it comes to depth. For the most part, Texas Tech is a 6-7 man rotation, with freshman wing Terrence Shannon getting the most minutes off the bench. Kevin McCullar and Avery Benson provide some energy in limited minutes, while the others come in for a brief period if foul issues occur.
The Wildcats had a nine-man rotation until the other day when former five-star prospect Khalil Whitney elected to transfer from the team. It’s not a major loss for them, with his averaging just 3.3 rpg and 1.7 rpg in 13 mpg. That leaves Keion Brooks Jr. and Johnny Juzang coming off the bench, along with either Sestina or Montgomery in the frontcourt. While these guys aren’t likely to go off for 20+ points in a given game, they can collectively go for 20 to give the Wildcats a nice boost in what should be a low-scoring game.
Shannon is really the only bench player that’ll provide production for Texas Tech. And the odds of this team getting the win if they’re outscored by a lot from the bench are low, so a double-digit performance from the freshman is an absolute must in order to win. He’ll also have to play great on defense, likely getting matched up against someone bigger at the power forward spot.
Next. Big 12 power rankings. dark
Having just won in a hostile environment last week at Arkansas, Kentucky is going to be ready for what Lubbock brings to them. But if the Red Raiders can play tight defense and force the Wildcats to win this from the three-point line, Texas Tech has a great opportunity to get the Big 12 a primetime win over the historic blueblood.