22. Texas Tech (7-3)
When on their game, Texas Tech is really good and they’ve shown that a few times already this season, but there are also a few issues with the Red Raiders. They have JT Toppin and he’s an otherworldy threat in the frontcourt, but the depth in this rotation is becoming an issue and that reared its ugly head this past weekend.
Long before that, we have to remember Texas Tech’s solid effort last Sunday, as they picked up an 82-58 win over LSU. Dispatching a team off to a hot start in the Tigers, they got 27 points and 8 assists in a great effort from Christian Anderson. Down to just six rotation players for Saturday, the Red Raiders built an early lead but faded late in a 93-86 loss to Arkansas. JT Toppin was impressive with 30 points and 11 rebounds and Anderson starred again with 26 points and 11 assists in the loss.
The bottom line is that the Red Raiders just haven’t been able to put it together against a top-level opponent, with previous losses to Illinois and Purdue back in November. This starting lineup is one of the most talented but they need more reliable minutes and production from a bench that hasn’t been healthy or effective. Big 12 play beckons but we’re not there yet, as Texas Tech has a major test next weekend against Duke.