Texas Tech basketball: Keys for success in the Big 12 tournament

Taking care of the basketball must remain a priority

Let’s all admit that it is rather obvious to say that taking care of the basketball is key in any situation.  But this year, Tech has been especially strong in that area and that must continue to be a net positive for Beard’s team this week.

At +3.47 per game, Tech finished the regular season second in turnover margin.  What’s more, by averaging just 10.4 turnovers per game, Tech was second in the Big 12 when it came to the fewest giveaways.

It will be imperative that Tech plays clean games this week and into next because March contests often come down to just one possession.  Thus, every possession in a game can be critical.

What’s interesting is that in this season’s nine losses, Tech averaged just 9.1 turnovers per game.  That included only two in the loss at West Virginia.  And 9 would be a great number for Tech to use as a per-game target in the postseason.

The last time we saw the Red Raiders in the postseason (2019), they averaged just 10.8 turnovers per game on their way to the National Title Game.  Should Tech come close to that number again this year, or even best it, it will give the 2021 team a shot at having its own long run in March.