21. Texas Tech (16-6)
We had a significant stretch there where Texas Tech was playing some of the best basketball in the nation, upending BYU, Duke, and Houston in the process. We’re not saying that the Red Raiders can’t get back to that level again, but last weekend’s loss at UCF really sullied the good feelings around Lubbock and hurt this team in the Big 12 title race.
Unfortunately, Texas Tech was dealt another blow in their lone contest of the week, falling 64-61 against Kansas at home. That Monday night action saw one of Texas Tech’s worst offensive showings of the season, with the interior offense really struggling against the Jayhawks’ frontcourt. LeJuan Watts led the charge with 19 points and 12 rebounds but JT Toppin and others struggled in their second straight loss.
Texas Tech suddenly hasn’t won a game in two weeks since their sensational showing against Houston, but Grant McCasland knows it’s not time for panic. The Big 12 is filled with very talented and very athletic teams and the Red Raiders will bounce back from these recent struggles. The offense clearly needs to get their mojo back and they’ll have some opportunities for that coming up. They’ll have winnable contests against West Virginia and Colorado, though next weekend’s test at Arizona won’t be easy.