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The Texas Tech Red Raiders (9-5, 0-0) v. The Oklahoma State Cowboys (9-5, 0-0)
Saturday, January 12, 2008 @ 12:30 p.m.
CBS
The Numbers:
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Keys to the Game:
- The Same Team: This is going to be pretty interesting. Statistically, you have almost the exact same team. Both teams struggle offensively and both teams excel defensively. If I had to put my money on one team or another, then I'm going to put it on the best coach. Advantage: Texas Tech. Of course I realize that this isn't necessarily a "key" to the game, but perhaps it can be better said that I think the team that plays better defense wins this game.
- Conference Game Nervousness: This is Roberson's first conference game in front of what will likely be a hostile OSU crowd. Best thing for Roberson is to get some easy buckets to get going early. Don't force the outside shot, if it's not there then don't take it. I think Roberson has a distinct quickness advantage over Eaton (213 pounds!!) and it would be nice to see him take Eaton off the dribble.
- Showcase Zeno: I get the feeling that this will be one of those games where Martin Zeno will have numerous opportunities to really excel today. More than likely he will be matched up with freshman James Anderson and I'd love to see Zeno use his senior leadership and skills to exploit this Anderson off the wing. Zeno has got to make sure and get his teammates involved, but there's no reason why Zeno shouldn't just dominate Anderson, despite his pre-conference success.
Probable Starting Lineups:
| Texas Tech | Ht. | Wt. | Pos. | Yr. | PPG | RPG | APG |
| John Roberson | 5-11 | 165 | G | Fr. | 12.7 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| Alan Voskuil | 6-3 | 175 | G | Jr. | 13.1 | 3.9 | 1.8 |
| Martin Zeno | 6-5 | 208 | G/F | Sr. | 16.5 | 5.1 | 3.1 |
| D'Walyn Roberts | 6-7 | 194 | F | Fr. | 4.0 | 2.3 | 0.4 |
| Esmir Rizvic | 7-0 | 252 | C | Sr. | 3.4 | 1.8 | 0.2 |
| Oklahoma St. | Ht. | Wt. | Pos. | Yr. | PPG | RPG | APG |
| Byron Eaton | 5-11 | 213 | G | Jr. | 9.6 | 2.9 | 3.3 |
| Terrell Harris | 6-5 | 195 | G | Jr. | 11.3 | 4.7 | 1.9 |
| James Anderson | 6-6 | 195 | G | Fr. | 16.8 | 3.6 | 1.1 |
| Marcus Dove | 6-9 | 215 | F | Sr. | 10.5 | 5.4 | 1.2 |
| Ibrahima Thomas | 6-11 | 238 | C | Fr. | 4.7 | 3.7 | 0.1 |
This is your open game day thread so feel free to sign up for a free account and leave all predictions, comments and thoughts about the game here.
GO RAIDERS . . .
*Stats can be found Ken Pomeroy, via Basketball Prospectus: K.P. Rank = the Ken Pomeroy 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. Numbers in parentheses are national rank.