Texas Tech basketball: Matchups to watch as Red Raiders square off with Cyclones

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - JANUARY 07: Guard Kyler Edwards #0 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders looks over his shoulder during the first half of the college basketball game against the Baylor Bears on January 07, 2020 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - JANUARY 07: Guard Kyler Edwards #0 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders looks over his shoulder during the first half of the college basketball game against the Baylor Bears on January 07, 2020 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
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AMES, IA – JANUARY 2: Jalen Coleman-Lands #5 of the Iowa State Cyclones drives the ball past Mark Vital #11 of the Baylor Bears in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on January 2, 2021 in Ames, Iowa. The Baylor Bears won 76-65 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – JANUARY 2: Jalen Coleman-Lands #5 of the Iowa State Cyclones drives the ball past Mark Vital #11 of the Baylor Bears in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on January 2, 2021 in Ames, Iowa. The Baylor Bears won 76-65 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)

Edwards vs. Coleman-Lands

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Each of these teams features a guard who can take over a game if he gets hot, especially from 3-point range.  So the matchup between Kyler Edwards and Jalen Coleman-Lands will be interesting to monitor.

Edwards seems to have righted the ship lately as he’s averaged 12.3 points per game in his last three contests.  Over that time, he’s shot 7-18 from 3-point range, a great sign for Tech fans as it appears he’s rediscovered his touch from deep.

Speaking of 3-point shooting, that’s what Coleman-Lands does well.  A 40% shooter from distance on the year, he’s hit at least two 3-balls in all but one game.

On the year, the 6-foot-4 senior is averaging 12.9 points per game.  But in the two ISU wins this season, he’s averaged 16.5, proving just how integral he is to his team’s success.

It will be an interesting showdown between these two players because each is capable of putting together a performance that can turn the tide of a game and each is playing well as of late.  If either gains an upper hand in this matchup, it could swing the balance of power in today’s contest.