Texas Tech basketball: What has to change in rematch with Longhorns

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Jan 13, 2021, Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Andrew Jones (1) looks to pass the ball against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Mac McClung (0) in the first half during an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, in Austin, Texas. Mandatory credit: Ricardo B. Brazziell /American-Statesman via USA TODAY Network /

Slow down Andrew Jones

In the first meeting with Tech, UT guard Andrew Jones had a fantastic game, especially in the first half. Scoring 20 points in total, the Irving native was 7-11 from the field including 4-6 from 3-point range. Today, Tech needs to keep him under wraps.

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But that’s not proven to be all that easy to do this season. In 19 games, he’s failed to score in double digits just three times including just once in Big 12 play.

The good news though is that in the second half of last month’s game, Jones scored only two points. In fact, he attempted just one field goal and two free throws after the break. Therefore, we might surmise that the Red Raiders figured out a strategy for keeping Jones under control.

Still, in six games against Tech in his career, Jones has averaged 14.8 points per game. That includes outings of 22 and 18 points on top of January’s big game.

He is one of four seniors that combine to fuel the Texas attack. Between him, Coleman, Ramey, and Jericho Sims, Texas receives 50.5 points per game.

But one bit of good news for Tech is the fact that Jones is currently in the midst of a shooting slump from deep. He’s made just two of his last 18 attempts over the course of his last three games, which is out of character for a career 35% 3-point shooter.

This year, Jones is shooting just over 30% from deep, the worst mark of his career but against Tech the first time, he lit it up. That is something that doesn’t need to happen again today.

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