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Texas Tech basketball: Takeaways from Tech’s loss to Baylor

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - JANUARY 16: Forward Marcus Santos-Silva #14 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders shoots the ball during the first half of the college basketball game against the Baylor Bears at United Supermarkets Arena on January 16, 2021 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - JANUARY 16: Forward Marcus Santos-Silva #14 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders shoots the ball during the first half of the college basketball game against the Baylor Bears at United Supermarkets Arena on January 16, 2021 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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Jan 16, 2021; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Davion Mitchell (45) passes the ball in front of Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Marcus Santos-Silva (14) in the first half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2021; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Davion Mitchell (45) passes the ball in front of Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Marcus Santos-Silva (14) in the first half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Sometimes, being a street dog isn’t enough

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On Saturday, Tech played the physical, dogged style of game it had to in order to offset Baylor’s skill.  Yet, it wasn’t good enough.

Over the past week, there’s been quite a bit of rhetoric coming from the Texas Tech basketball program and Beard himself about being “street dogs”, especially following the gritty comeback win over Texas.  But the reality is that sometimes being a street dog simply isn’t enough, you have to have basketball skills as well.

This isn’t to suggest that Tech is devoid of skilled players.  But outside of McClung, which Red Raider guard or wing player would be a sure-fire starter for one of the Big 12’s elite teams?  Perhaps Shannon might be an option but that’s it.

It is fair to worry about whether this year’s team has the type of skill that can carry it to a championship level.  Are there enough shot-creators or outside shooters to beat teams that play high-level defense?

Related Story. The all-time West Texas Red Raider basketball team. light

Saturday, the answer was “No”.  Tech was the tougher, more determined, and hungrier team and that showed in all the hustle plays that Beard’s squad made.  But still, Baylor’s overall skill won out.  It was proof that even street dogs have their limitations and that to beat the best teams in the nation, you have to have some pure skill as well.

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