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Saturday, February 17, 2007 @ 6:30 p.m.
If there was ever a momentum game, this is it. This is Tech's opportunity to make a statement. To declare to the rest of the nation that they can put away the games they are supposed to win. Besides that, a big win at home would do wonders for this team. Let's get to the numbers:
The Numbers:
| Team | K.P. Rank | Off.Eff. | Def.Eff. | Points/Game | Points Allowed | Rebounds |
| Texas Tech | 51 | 32 | 81 | 72.4 | 68.5 | 31.7 |
| Colorado | 182 | 215 | 158 | 69.8 | 80.5 | 37.3 |
Players to Watch:
| Player | Rebounds | Assists | Points |
| Richard Roby | 5.1 | 2.0 | 16.5 |
| Xavier Silas | 4.0 | 1.7 | 11.8 |
| Dominique Coleman | 6.2 | 3.4 | 10.8 |
Keys to the Game:
- No Threes for CU: Colorado's won two conference games this year and in both games, they've shot really well from the 3 point line. Tech has to focus on getting out and guarding the three-point line. Rather than allow Colorado to shoot, force them to be a creative and offensively diverse basketball team. There's a lot of freshman playing on this team and forcing them to be creative may prove to be quite difficult.
- Work the Offense: Tech did a masterful job of constantly putting the Aggies back on their heels, making them react to the offense with the drives baseline. Everyone played their part, the problem of course is making sure that this lot doesn't become complacent. Decensae White cannot settle for the jumpshot. Jon Plefka, despite not being a gifted scorer inside has got to create some opportunities when he can. Burgess has to continue to force the issue, and create easy opportunities for himself and his teammates.
- Keep Jackson and Zeno in the Groove: Against A&M, both Jackson and Zeno seemed to be hitting on all cylinders and it was amazing how efficient the offense was. Colorado is 158th in defensive efficiency which isn't good and Tech has to take advantage of the Buffaloes defensive lapses (they allow over 80 points a game). Considering the relative youth of Colorado, give me Plefka to be the one who steps up his play on Saturday night.
Probable Starting Lineups:
Colorado Buffaloes and Texas Tech Red Raiders
Richard Roby, G, 6-6, Sr. / Martin Zeno, F, 6-5, Jr.
Jeremy Williams, F, 6-7, Fr. / Decensae White, F, 6-6, Fr.
Marcus King-Stockton, F, 6-9, Jr. / Jon Plefka, F, 6-9, Sr.
Kalvin Bay, G, 6-1, Fr. / Charlie Burgess, G, 6-1, Jr.
Xavier Silas, G, 6-5, Fr. / Jay Jackson, G, 6-1, Sr.
* The Legend: K.P. Rank = the Ken Pomery Rank; Offensive Efficiency = the national rank in terms of points scored per 100 possessions; Defensive Efficiency = the national rank in terms of points allowed per 100 possession.