Kansas vs. Texas Tech Prediction
A pair of ranked teams in the Big 12 clash tonight in Lubbock where No. 14 Texas Tech hosts No. 5 Kansas at 7:00 p.m. ET. Are the Jayhawks a good bet as an underdog or is 2.5 not enough points to get back with KU?
Game Snapshot
787 Kansas Jayhawks (+2.5) at 788 Texas Tech Red Raiders (-2.5); o/u 132.5
7:00 p.m. ET, Thursday, December 17, 2020
Venue: United Supermarkets Arena, Lubbock, TX
TV: ESPN
Kansas vs. Texas Tech College Basketball Prediction
I’m siding with defense tonight. Texas Tech ranks No. 1 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency, which is nothing new under coach Chris Beard. In fact, over their last three seasons, the Red Raiders have ranked in the top-9 when it comes to KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency.
The Red Raiders are also seventh in defensive turnover percentage and are mixing in more full-court pressure this season. They’re incredibly aggressive in the paint, with just 23% of opponents’ shots coming at the rim. That’s the 17th-lowest defensive mark nationally.
Granted, Texas Tech doesn’t have the most potent offense but with or without a packed house, the Red Raiders have a strong home court presence. I expect Beard’s squad to muck it up tonight and to come out on top versus KU.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL PREDICTION: TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS -2.5
