Texas Tech Basketball: What Went Wrong in 2016-17

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Mar 1, 2017; Lubbock, TX, USA; Pre-game introductions for the Texas Tech Red Raiders before the game with the Texas Longhorns at United Supermarkets Arena. Texas Tech defeated Texas 67-57. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. A Weak Non-Conference Schedule

Though only one of Texas Tech’s losses came in non-conference play, do not overlook the harm that the first twelve games of the season did to this year’s team. It is obvious that the poor non-conference slate the team played did not properly equip the Red Raiders for the rigors of Big 12 basketball.

The first flaw in the out-of-conference schedule was the lack of true road games. The only time Tech went into an opponent’s home gym was December 17^th at Richmond. The Red Raiders struggled for much of that game before pulling out a 79-72 win.

The only other non-conference games the team played away from Lubbock were against Auburn and Utah State in Cancun, Mexico. The Red Raiders split those games falling to Auburn before topping the Aggies.

When league play arrived, it became clear that Texas Tech was not ready to win on the road. The team went winless away from the United Supermarkets Arena against Big 12 teams.

The team was competitive on the road. It only lost three road games by more than 10 points. Yet close losses count the same as blowouts.

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Some may point to the fact that last season, the Red Raiders played no true road games out of conference as proof that the lack of road games this year was not a factor. But every team is different from year to year and this year’s team was a disaster on the road and could have benefited from some more early season road tests.

Another flaw in the non-conference schedule was the lack of quality opponents. The Red Raiders’ out of conference schedule ranked 336^th out of out of 351 schools in the country this season.

This dropped the team’s overall strength of schedule to just 98^th in the nation. That is a terribly low ranking considering the boost the schedule received from playing in the Big 12.

A team’s strength of schedule is a huge factor in determining postseason eligibility. The quality of teams faced is often the deciding factor between teams of similar records.

For example, Texas Tech finished with the same record as Syracuse (18-14). However, the Orange had a strength of schedule of 58 with a non-conference schedule ranked No. 194. Syracuse is the No. 1 overall seed in the NIT and Texas Tech was not selected.

By starting the season off with such a weak slate of opponents, Texas Tech entered conference play will little margin for error. Moving forward, it will be imperative that the Red Raiders have a more competitive non-conference schedule even if it means another loss or two overall.

Next: Texas Tech Must Develop Green QB's This Spring

Overall, it was an interesting (if not enjoyable) Texas Tech basketball season. The team did post a winning record and this is something that should not be taken for granted given the recent history of the program.

Next season, Tech will return Zach Smith, Justin Gran, Keenan Evans, Niem Stevenson and Norense Odiase. Plus, the team will be enhanced by some terrific JUCO signees and transfers that had to sit out this season.

There is still much reason for optimism in Texas Tech basketball and Chris Beard. Keep checking in with Wreck ‘Em Red for complete hoops coverage.

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