Texas Tech basketball: Scouting the No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks
As we get ready to watch the Texas Tech basketball team take on No. 3 Kansas in Lawrence today, here’s a scouting report on the Jayhawks.
The third game in a three-contest gauntlet that marks the toughest stretch of the Texas Tech basketball season is upon us today as the Red Raiders are in Lawrence to face No. 3 Kansas. Coming off of a loss to No. 15 Kentucky at home a week ago and a victory over No. 12 West Virginia on Wednesday in Lubbock, Tech has a shot to make some serious noise by doing one of the toughest things in the sport, winning at Allen Fieldhouse.
Opening in 1955, the same year that a guy named Wilt Chamberlin began his career at KU, the home of the Jayhawks is one of the most iconic venues in all of sports. Now holding 16,300 fans, it is holy ground in the world of college athletics.
In the venue’s history, KU is a staggering 796-114 (.875). What’s more, current head coach Bill Self has a home record of 258-14 (.949).
In other words, Tech has lost more games at Allen Field house all-time (18) than Bill Self, who is in his 16th season in Lawrence, has. Of course, the Red Raiders do have one victory in Lawrence, which gives us hope that another could be in store this afternoon.
On January 2nd, 2018, Chris Beard became the first Red Raider head coach to leave Allen Fieldhouse victorious. That night, his team pulled out an 85-73 win that stunned the blue-clad home faithful.
Keenan Evans led four Red Raiders in double-digits as he gave his team 15 points. Meanwhile, Justin Gray, Norense Odiase, and Jarrett Culver each had 12 points and Zhaire Smith added 11.
Tech did what is almost essential when trying to win in Lawrence, get ahead early. Storming out to a 15-5 lead in the first five minutes, the Red Raiders forced KU to play from behind all night long. In fact, Tech never trailed.
Throughout that game, we kept waiting for the patented Jayhawk run but it never came. The closest the home team would come in the second half was six points at 67-61.
But every time the Jayhawks made a push, Tech had an answer. The Red Raiders shot 43.3% from the floor and an impressive 21-25 at the free-throw line to offset a 6-24 shooting night from 3-point range.
Also important was the fact that the Red Raiders won the rebounding battle by 15 and had 18 offensive boards, ten more than KU. What’s more, they also forced 15 turnovers, nine of which were steals.
Hopefully, this year’s game follows a similar script. And as we wait for tipoff, here’s a look at what to expect from the Jayhawks starting with their excellent defense.