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Texas Tech basketball: What needs to change in rematch with Kansas State

By Matthew Conner

AMES, IA - JANUARY 9: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders coaches from the bench in the first half of play at Hilton Coliseum on January 9, 2021 in Ames, Iowa. The Texas Tech Red Raiders won 91-64 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - JANUARY 9: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders coaches from the bench in the first half of play at Hilton Coliseum on January 9, 2021 in Ames, Iowa. The Texas Tech Red Raiders won 91-64 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /
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Jan 5, 2021; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Mac McClung (0) works the ball against Kansas State Wildcats Mike McGuirl (00) in the second half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2021; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Mac McClung (0) works the ball against Kansas State Wildcats Mike McGuirl (00) in the second half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Make your open looks from 3

By now, it is safe to say that the Red Raiders are not going to rely heavily on the 3-ball this year.  After all, they are just 8th in the Big 12 in 3-point shooting percentage.

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But there’s no reason for Tech to shoot just 4-18 from downtown the way they did against Kansas State in Lubbock.  Today, on the road, the Red Raiders need to be better in that regard.

That day, Mac McClung was the only Red Raider with more than one 3-point make.  What’s more, he and Kyler Edwards combined to make just 3 of 11 shots from deep.

But Tech was able to make up for that poor shooting effort by making 30 of 36 free-throw attempts in that game.  Today, however, it doesn’t seem likely that the trips to the line will be as frequent meaning that Tech will need to hit more shots from the outside.

Since the last meeting with the Cats, Tech has shot over 40% from 3-point range in a game just once.  But Kansas State is last in the Big 12 in 3-point defense by allowing opponents to shoot 38.4% from the 3-point line.

So today, keep an eye on the 3-point line.  That’s one area where Tech certainly needs to be better this time around against KSU.

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