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Texas Tech basketball: Why the Red Raiders lost to the Cowboys

By Matthew Conner

STILLWATER, OK - FEBRUARY 7: General view of the arena from the upper level as the Oklahoma State Cowboys take on the Kansas Jayhawks at Gallagher-Iba Arena on February 7, 2015 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State defeated Kansas 67-62. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK - FEBRUARY 7: General view of the arena from the upper level as the Oklahoma State Cowboys take on the Kansas Jayhawks at Gallagher-Iba Arena on February 7, 2015 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State defeated Kansas 67-62. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Matt Coleman III #2 of the Texas Longhorns, TJ Holyfield #22 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders  (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
Matt Coleman III #2 of the Texas Longhorns, TJ Holyfield #22 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders  (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

Tech had only three blocks

Prior to this game, we talked about how the increased number of blocks the Red Raiders were coming up with was a sign of improved defensive cohesion.  Over their last three games, Tech had averaged 6.3 blocks per game but on Saturday, they came up with just three.

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One huge reason was that Holyfield had no blocks after averaging 3.8 by himself over his last six games.  Of course, that was another reason that his foul trouble was so problematic in this game.

Surprisingly, OSU didn’t live by the outside shot as they have been known to in recent years.  Despite having two deadly three-point shooters in Waters and Dizagwa, they ran their offense through the post and attempted only ten shots from behind the arc.

Of course, that should have given Tech more opportunities to block shots as the Cowboys had 24 points in the paint.  Had Holyfield managed to have even a couple of blocks on the afternoon, it could have made a significant difference in this contest.

On the other hand, OSU blocked six shots.  That’s almost double their average of 3.8 on the year.

Kalib Boone, who came out of nowhere to score a career-high 16 points (nearly 13 more than his season average) also led the way with three blocks.  For the year, he’s averaged 0.8 per game.

Meanwhile, OSU forward Yor Anei had two blocks, which was essentially his only contribution on the day as he scored no points and had only two rebounds.  Still, you could say that his two blocks in what was ultimately a three-point game were as impactful as anything his counterpart Holyfield did on the afternoon.

Next. The Texas Tech all-decade centers. dark

Ultimately, this loss shouldn’t be devastating to the Red Raiders’ NCAA Tournament hopes.  Because West Virginia lost at Baylor, the Red Raiders remain in third place in the Big 12 race.  But hopefully, this will be the last game that the Red Raiders drop because of rebounding and free throws and if that proves to be the case, perhaps the lessons learned in Stillwater will turn out to be a benefit.

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