It's been rare for the Texas Tech basketball program to reach the finals of the Big 12 Tournament. However, that's what Tech can do tonight by beating No. 3 seed Arizona in Kansas City. If the Red Raiders prevail, it will be just the third time the program has ever played for the Big 12 Tournament crown.
Of course, beating Arizona won't be easy. In fact, it might be improbable given the injury situation the Red Raiders might be facing. In Thursday's 76-74 victory over Baylor in the Big 12 quarterfinals, Tech was without starting guard Chance McMillian and backup big man Federiko Federiko for the second half of the game, making it fair to question whether either player will be available tonight.
As strange as it might seem, missing Federiko might be the bigger issue against Arizona. That's because the Wildcats already have a size advantage over the Red Raiders, even when both teams are at full strength.
After all, the last time these teams met, an 82-73 Arizona win in Tucson on February 8, the Wildcats owned the paint. Arizona outscored Tech in the lane 48-28 and won the rebounding battle 42-29. What's more, that night, Arizona blocked seven shots.
The Wildcats' backup big man, Henry Veesaar, (a 7-foot sophomore) had one of his best games of the season with 15 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks. Meanwhile, 6-foot-8, 250-pound Arizona forward Tobe Awake was effective with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks.
For Tech, JT Toppin was his usual self, scoring 21 points to lead all scorers. He also pulled down 13 rebounds and had two steals. However, Federiko was a non-factor, scoring no points and grabbing no boards in 14 minutes of action.
However, when Tech beat Arizona 70-54 in Lubbock on January 18, Federiko was impactful with eight points and eight rebounds in 23 minutes. Meanwhile, that day, Veesaar was held scoreless, and he grabbed only two rebounds.
That was a game that was close for most of the first 35 minutes until Tech ended the game on a 17-2 run. It was an unusual victory for Tech in the sense that the Red Raiders found a way to prevail despite shooting just 6-23 (26.1%) from 3-point range.
Now the teams are set for their third meeting of the season and there is a spot in the Big 12 title game on the line. So let's look at all the information Texas Tech fans need to know ahead of this huge matchup.
Texas Tech vs. Arizona broadcast information
Tip: 8:30 p.m. Central
TV: ESPN2
Radio: Texas Tech Sports Network
Texas Tech vs. Arizona series history
This will be the 18th meeting between Texas Tech and Arizona. The Red Raiders are just 5-12 all-time against the Wildcats. That includes records of 4-3 in Lubbock and 1-8 in Tucson.
The series began on January 7, 1957, with a 79-63 Arizona win. In the last ten meetings, Tech is 2-8, including a mark of 1-1 this season.
Texas Tech vs. Arizona odds
Odds courtesy of FanDuel.com.
Favorite | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|
Texas Tech -2.5 | Arizona +112 | 152.5 |