Texas Tech basketball: Three matchups to watch vs. TCU

McClung vs. Miles

If undersized, dynamic guards are your cup of tea, tonight’s game should be right up your alley.  That’s because TCU features true freshman scoring machine Mike Miles and his matchup with Mac McClung will be a blast to watch.

It’s likely that Tech won’t ask McClung to be Miles’ primary defender.  But the scoring showdown between these two streaky scorers will be pivotal in this matchup.

Both McClung and Miles are listed at 6-foot-1.  And both can be unstoppable at times.

Tech fans already know about McClung’s scoring heroics but Miles has had his own moments of brilliance this year as well.  He’s had four 20-point games including 28 against No. 12 Missouri and 21 against Oklahoma.

Overall, the Lancaster, Texas native averages 14.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.  He’s also handing out 3.6 assists per contest as much of the Horned Frog offense funnels through his hands.

Despite being a 38% shooter from 3-point range, he is most dangerous when he gets the ball and heads downhill towards the bucket.  Thus, Tech can’t let him get to the middle of the court.  Rather, it will be imperative to push Miles towards the sidelines where he will have less room to operate.

Miles isn’t TCU’s leading scorer as McClung is for Tech.  But he’s capable of taking over a game in a similar manner and if either of these players goes nuts tonight, it will likely turn the tide of this contest.