We’re closing in on Texas Tech’s second round matchup against Nate Oats and the Alabama Crimson Tide and it looks like the Red Raiders aren’t going to be picked to win this one. At least that’s the case if you check in with ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, which is currently favoring Alabama in the upcoming second round game between the Crimson Tide and Red Raiders.
Right now, ESPN’s matchup predictor is giving Alabama a 54.4 percent chance of beating Texas Tech. Which, you know, that’s not bad at all. More or less, that’s a coin toss sort of situation for the Red Raiders, who will be playing without JT Toppin (their leading scorer and rebounder).
And it’ll be interesting to see how this one plays out because the Red Raiders will be tasked with trying to keep up with one of the most impressive offenses in the country this season. Again, right now, it looks like ESPN’s matchup predictor thinks Texas Tech has a shot to do just that.
ESPN’s matchup predictor favors the Alabama Crimson Tide in March Madness matchup against the Texas Tech Red Raiders
Alabama is entering this game with a 91.7 points per game scoring average and the Crimson Tide have a few statistical advantages over the Red Raiders, including rebounding (which likely gets magnified given Toppin’s absence in this game).
But given how Texas Tech makes 39.7 percent of its three point shooting and Christian Anderson has been able to connect with his teammates to space things out and keep the offense rolling, there’s reason to be hopeful here.
Plus, this is a team that managed to beat the Arizona Wildcats, Houston Cougars, Duke Blue Devils, and Iowa State Cyclones this season. There’s a ton of talent, even without having Toppin available for this game. If Texas Tech can get hot from deep early on and then find a way to limit Alabama’s perimeter shooting, the Red Raiders have a real chance.