Andy Katz of ESPN caught up with Tubby Smith on the ESPNU College Basketball podcast, and according to Katz, injured Norense Odiase could return for the Red Raiders as early as the Big XII Tournament. Here's the link to the full recap.
Today's 3-point shot: @TexasTechMBB @TigersAthletics @BroncoSports https://t.co/T8VoCSxKlO
— Andy Katz (@ESPNAndyKatz) February 16, 2016
Odiase broke his foot in an away game against the TCU Horned Frogs and hasn't returned since. The sophomore big man has been averaging 9 points and 4.5 rebounds a game, which we obviously would like to have back on our team.
According to Katz, the Red Raiders control their own destiny. At this point, it's all about how we finish, or how we don't finish. Over the next couple of weeks, Texas Tech will either play it's way into the tournament, or play its way out. Having Odiase back in the tournament will help, but as of right now the Red Raiders still have a daunting slate of games left, with having to face Oklahoma at home, a surging Oklahoma State on the road, Kansas on the road, and West Virginia, once again on the road.
Katz thinks that in order to make it into the tournament, Texas Tech needs to win two of their last 4 road games. While I do think we need at least one win, I don't think we need two. The Big XII has proven itself, and will ultimately be rewarded. We're gonna see Norense Odiase play in the postseason quicker than we think.