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Texas Tech basketball: 3 statistical goals for Red Raiders vs. Michigan State

By Matthew Conner

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Tariq Owens #11 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates after a play against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 30, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Tariq Owens #11 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates after a play against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 30, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Do not get out-rebounded by more than six boards

The most frightening aspect of this game for Texas Tech basketball fans should be Michigan State’s rebounding prowess.  Fifth in the nation, the Spartans average rebounding margin is +8.9 per game.  Meanwhile, Tech’s rebound margin of just +1.7 ranks all the way down at No. 121 overall.

So tonight, the Red Raiders will likely be thrilled to keep the Spartan rebounding advantage to around six.  If they can do that, they will be neutralizing MSU’s biggest edge.

The reason the Spartans rebound so well is because they pack the lane with their three 230-pound plus forwards and try to gobble up every missed shot.  They will not sacrifice rebounding position for the sake of challenging jump shots or applying excessive ball pressure.

And when they do get the rebound, they will look to push the pace with Winston and get some transition baskets before the Red Raider defense can get set.  That’s why it will be critical for the Red Raiders to identify where Winston is at all times and make certain that a defender tries to deny him the ball for as long as possible and picks him up well before he reaches mid court.

Also, do not expect to see Tech crash the offensive glass with more than a couple of players on each possession.  In fact, it would not be a surprise to see the Red Raiders only send one player after offensive rebounds as the rest sell out to slow the MSU transition game.

But also look at how Tech is able to battle on the defensive glass.  Tariq Owens and Norsense Odiase will likely have to play strong inside to keep the bulky MSU forwards off the offensive glass.  If Izzo’s team is able to continually get second-chance points, Tech will struggle just like it did in the Big 12 Tournament loss to West Virginia when the Mountaineers grabbed 17 offensive rebounds and beat the Red Raiders on the glass by 15.  If that happens tonight, the Red Raiders’ historic run will come to an abrupt end.

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