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Texas Tech basketball: Four critical games in second-half of Big 12 play

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TX - JANUARY 26: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders positions his players during the second half of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks on January 26, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Arkansas 67-64. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - JANUARY 26: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders positions his players during the second half of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks on January 26, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Arkansas 67-64. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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Davide Moretti #25 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders shoots the ball over Devon Dotson #11 of the Kansas Jayhawks  (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
Davide Moretti #25 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders shoots the ball over Devon Dotson #11 of the Kansas Jayhawks  (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

March 7th vs. Kansas

Texas Tech basketball fans will see the 2019-20 home schedule end in the most exciting way possible; with a visit from Kansas.  Currently No. 3 in the nation, the Jayhawks could come to Lubbock looking to secure a share of the conference title thus providing them more than enough motivation to play well.

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But from a Red Raider perspective, Tech needs to beat the Jayhawks to secure one final win that would open eyes around the nation.  Thus far, the only victories that have done that are the ones against No. 1 Louisville in New York and at home against No. 12 West Virginia.

Of course, winning at No. 1 Baylor on March 2nd would be a massive accomplishment as well but given that Tech has not traditionally played well in Waco, there is reason to think that will be a long shot.  Thus, bringing home a win against Kansas would be a fantastic bow on the regular season.

Tech and KU have been trading blows in recent years.  In 2018, the Red Raiders won in Lawrence before falling at home to KU.  Last year, both teams won by double-digits on their home courts.

Of course, the first meeting this year was a tight contest that saw Tech have the ball with a chance to send the game to OT on the final possession of a 78-75 Jayhawk win.  That performance has given Red Raider fans confidence in their team’s ability to beat the conference bullies in Lubbock.

But keep in mind that this year, KU is 5-1 in true road games with the only loss being a one-point affair at No. 18 Villanova.  Therefore, they will not be an easy victim when they come to the Hub City.

But think about the opportunity that this game will present.  If Tech wins all of the games it will be favored to (which is a bit of a long shot) for the rest of the year, the only setback would be the Baylor game five days prior.

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Therefore, Tech could take a huge step towards a possible top-6 seed in the NCAA Tournament by ending the regular season by beating what will almost certainly be no worse than a top-5 team just over a week before Selection Sunday.  Senior Day in Lubbock will be a nice celebration of T.J. Holyfield and Chris Clarke but being as it brings KU to town, it will also be a game that could propel the Red Raiders to another fantastic March.

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