Texas Tech Basketball: 3 keys to beating Duke in Sweet 16 matchup

3. Stay true to defense

It’s no secret that Texas Tech is a big believer in the adage, “Defense wins championships.” The team’s defense is what has got them to this point and there’s no reason to change tactics now in an attempt to keep up with Duke’s high-powered offense.

Texas Tech has the best defense in the nation, topping KenPom’s defensive efficiency rankings. The Red Raiders are holding opponents to 60.2 points per game. Opponents are shooting just 38.2 percent against Texas Tech, which is also forcing an average of 15.9 turnovers per game.

Duke, of course, is one of the best offensive teams in the sport this season, led by star freshman Paolo Banchero. The team is averaging 80.3 points per game, ranking ninth in the nation. The Blue Devils also rank in the top 15 of assists.

The Red Raiders have stared down some tough offenses before, though. They limited Tennessee to 52 points and Gonzaga to 69 points in non-conference, the latter impressive even in a loss. The team has also held down the likes of Baylor, Texas, and Iowa State over the course of Big 12 play.

Texas Tech has prevented opponents from hitting 60 points on 16 different occasions this season and less than 50 points five separate times. Asking the Red Raiders to do so again against Duke may be asking too much, but perhaps it should be a goal to hold the Blue Devils under 70 points.

So far, Texas Tech has surrendered a combined 115 points in its two NCAA Tournament games. Its trademark defense will again be the difference between victory and defeat.