Texas Tech basketball: Players that need to lead the way against TCU

Terrence Shannon Jr.

After making a triumphant return from a two-game absence because of a back strain, freshman Terrence Shannon needs to take over a game once again.  His last game was a nice performance for his first time back since the Baylor game as he had 11 points and four boards against Iowa State.

But I want to see him dominate a game again the way he did DePaul.  In his return to his hometown of Chicago in early December, he had a career-high 24 points in an OT loss.

Since then, his high for a game has been the 18 points he had against Southern Miss.  He’s been remarkably consistent but let’s see if he can be dominant again.

Yet to take over a Big 12 game offensively, this could be his night.  TCU doesn’t have the defensive reputation of Baylor or West Virginia nor do they have the length on the wings that could bother Shannon.

What’s more, he could find the pace of this game more conducive to his liking if the home team tries to turn this into an up-tempo affair.  I want to see Shannon spend all night at the free-throw line as well.

He’s Tech’s leader in attempts per game at 4.4 per game and as we’ve discussed, the free-throw line could be a huge edge for Tech tonight.  Shannon is steady, which is the first sign you want a young player to show.  Now, let’s see him put on his Superman cape again and have another standout showing on the road.