15. Texas Tech (12-4)
The early story on the Red Raiders was that this was a strong team that would make noise this season, but they couldn’t quite get over the hump in their major challenges. They righted that early wrong with that showing at Duke right before Christmas, but we’re still here wondering just what the ceiling is at Texas Tech. Is this a team that can compete with the best of the best in the Big 12?
While they didn’t get the job done, they proved they belonged with the best in a 69-65 road loss at Houston. Jaylen Petty had 20 points while JT Toppin added 18 points and 11 rebounds even as the Red Raiders finished just a couple plays short. Over the weekend Texas Tech built a big halftime lead and held on, securing a 73-71 win at Colorado. Donovan Atwell had 17 points while both Toppin and LeJuan Watts had double-doubles.
Sometimes splitting a pair of games isn’t the end of the world, though you know Grant McCasland and company are wishing they had made one or two extra plays in Houston earlier this week. Regardless of that result, Texas Tech has proven in recent weeks that they can compete with anyone, even when their offense isn’t exactly firing on all cylinders. After those road trips they’ll be home in Lubbock next week waiting for Utah and BYU.