After an offseason that has included a ton of roster moves requiring legal consideration, Texas Tech Basketball is finally playing games on the floor. They’re off to a 2-0 start, getting easy wins over Jackson State and Bethune-Cookman. But the schedule gets much harder this week, hosting No. 3 Illinois.
This is a game where both teams are going to be without key frontcourt pieces, one of several keys to the game. Here’s a look at what else Texas Tech will be looking at in this matchup, as well as how they can win this game.
1. Winning the backcourt battle
While most of the offseason attention has been around health and eligibility, the two key transfers the program brought in early were Cruz Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, two of the top scoring perimeter players a year ago. They remain that way for the Red Raiders, each putting up 15 ppg to start the year. Illinois, one of the top scoring units in the nation, is led by freshman Quentin Coleman (16 ppg and 4.0 apg), and Stefan Vaaks, who puts up 15.5 ppg as the team’s 6th Man. If one team can get a clear advantage on the perimeter, that group will have a great chance at winning the game.
2. Impact from Bassala Bagayoko inside
We know that star big man JT Toppin (ACL) will be out for this game, while UCF transfer Jamichael Stillwell has yet to suit up for them. That leaves 6’10 freshman forward Bagayoko, a highly-touted international newcomer who started both games. He’s only producing 4.0 ppg and 5.5 rpg but has brought needed interior defense. Against both Zvonimir and Tomislav Ivisic for Illinois, Texas Tech will be relying on Bagayoko to have an impact to slow them down inside.
3. Breakout from Darrion Williams
Currently eligible via court-order, Williams started both games in his return to Lubbock, only putting up 3.5 ppg and 5.0 rpg. Against an elite scoring unit, the team will need Williams to provide more scoring to keep them in the game. Even more important, he’ll be tasked with guarding Illinois leading scorer, Andrej Stojakovic (22.5 ppg). Williams will be the two-way x-factor for the Red Raiders, with this being the perfect way to reintroduce himself to the fan base.
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