Today's home game against Arizona isn't a must-win contest but it sure feels as close to one as possible. That's because the Red Raiders desperately need to start to pick up signature Quad-1 wins if they want to ensure they are on the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble.
So far, Tech is just 2-2 in Quad-1 games dropping games against Texas A&M and Iowa State while winning at Utah and BYU. While those wins in the state of Utah were nice, they aren't the type that are going to position the Red Raiders to earn a solid seed in the Big Dance given that neither of those teams are in the top 40 in the NET rankings.
What's more, Tech needs more Quad-1 wins to ensure that the dream of getting back into the Field of 68 becomes a reality. As of this moment, there are only eight more chances for Quad-1 wins on Tech's upcoming schedule (though that might change as teams rise and fall in the NCAA NET Rankings). Of those eight games, though, only three will be played in Lubbock.
Getting one of those home wins today against Arizona (No. 12 in the NET) won't be easy, though. That's because the Wildcats are one of the hottest teams in the nation.
Beginning the season ranked No. 10 in the nation, Arizona stumbled out of the gates losing to Wisconsin, Duke, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and UCLA in the non-conference portion of the schedule to fall out of the rankings.
However, since their last loss, the Cats have reeled off seven wins in a row. That includes road wins over ranked teams West Virginia and Cincinnati as well as a home win over No. 25 Baylor in their most recent outing.
In all, the Wildcats are one of three teams (along with Houston and Iowa State) to sit at 5-0 in Big 12 play. Meanwhile, the Red Raiders are among a group of five schools tied a 3-2 in the league race.
What makes the Wildcats so tough is that they have three excellent guards all averaging over 10 points per game. They are led by star Caleb Love, a 6-foot-4 senior who averages 15.3 points per game.
This will be the first Big 12 game of the season in Lubbock since the Texas Tech students have returned from winter break. Hopefully, the return of the student body will create a wild environment and help propell the Red Raiders to a win. As we wait for tip-off, here's a look at all the game info fans will need to know.
Texas Tech vs. Arizona broadcast info
Tip: 1 p.m. Central
TV: ESPN2
TV CALL: Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Sean Farnham (analyst)
TEXAS TECH SPORTS NETWORK: Geoff Haxton (play-by-play), Chris Level (analyst)
Texas Tech vs. Arizona series history
Texas Tech leads the all-time series 28-24. Tech is 16-5 in Lubbock. Last meeting: Arizona won 79-58 (12/3/2013). Arizona has won 7 straight over Tech.
Texas Tech vs. Arizona odds
Odds courtesy of FanDuel.com.
Favorite | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|
Texas Tech -3.5 | Arizona +138 | 150.5 |
Texas Tech vs. Arizona game notes
All game notes courtesy of TexasTech.com.
- Border Conference rivals from 1932-56, this weekend’s game marks the first matchup between the programs as Big 12 foes with the Wildcats joining the conference this season.
- The Red Raiders (12-4, 3-2 Big 12) are currently at No. 17 in the Kenpom ratings and No. 21 in the NCAA NET after earning a 61-57 road win over K-State on Tuesday following an 85-84 overtime loss to No. 2 Iowa State last Saturday in Lubbock. Texas Tech, which averages 83.0 points per game, was limited to its lowest-scoring performance of the season at K-State but still won its third straight Big 12 road game to begin the season – the first time since 1997, and second ever, to start Big 12 play with three road wins.
- Arizona (11-5, 5-0 Big 12) is on a seven-game winning streak after rolling to an 81-70 home win over No. 25 Baylor on Tuesday night in Tucson – moving up to No. 15 in Kenpom and 13 in the NCAA NET.
- The Wildcats currently lead the Big 12 with 40.8 rebounds per game and are second in the Big 12 by scoring 84.2 points per game.
- Tech enters the sixth game of its Big 12 schedule leading the conference by shooting 50.5 percent from the field, with a 58.2 effective field goal percentage, and is second at 77.2 percent from the free-throw line. The Red Raiders are currently 10th in the nation in effective field goal percentage, eighth in field goal percentage, and 32nd overall at the charity stripe. Along with leading the Big 12 in the statistical categories, Texas Tech is third in the conference and 22nd nationally by scoring 83.9 points per game this season and second by shooting 39.7 percent on 3-pointers.