Though improved recently, Texas Tech remains a poor rebounding team
Rebounding is essential in March. That's because games often come down to one possession meaning that teams that can collect extra chances with the ball by dominating the glass will have an advantage.
That's not great news for a team that struggles to rebound the way Tech does. In fact, in the Big 12, only WVU and Oklahoma State had worse rebounding margins than Tech's +0.67 for the season. Even worse, in Big 12 games the Red Raiders were second-worst in the league in that category by being out-rebounded by 3.18 boards per game.
Of course, not having Washington has hurt Tech's work on the glass. He averages 7.4 rebounds per game, which is second on the team just behind Darrion Williams and his 7.6 per game.
Now, in recent games, the Red Raiders have shown improvement in this area. Against a much bigger and more athletic Baylor team, Tech won the rebounding margin 40-30 on Saturday.
What's more, Tech also won the battle on the glass against OK State and WVU. However, in Tech's last three losses since Washington's injury, they lost the rebounding battle to Texas (by 14) and to Iowa State (by one) while being equal with UCF.
If Washington can play and be close to full strength, he could help change this narrative. What's more, the development of his backup, Robert Jennings, has helped the Red Raiders compete on the boards. He's averaged 5.4 boards per game in Tech's last seven outings.
Ultimately, rebounding will be a concern for as long as this team plays in 2023-24. That's because we've seen too many times where it's been an Achilles' heel for Tech and you never know when that problem might creep up again in the Big Dance.