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The Texas Tech Red Raiders (15-11, 6-6) v. The Texas A&M Aggies (20-7, 6-6)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m.
ESPN Plus
The Numbers:
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Keys to the Game:
- I Don't Get It: I really don't. Statistically, the Aggies are a really good basketball team. They score efficiently and they defend efficiently as well. So what gives? There's a couple things that Texas Tech can take advantage of and steal a win in BCS. First, TAMU turned the ball over at a slightly higher rate in their last three losses. Thus, pressure defense on Kirk and Sloan could be vital. Second, the Ags have been significantly less effective defensively these last three games, all losses. I'm not sure that the Red Raiders can take advantage of easy and efficient buckets, but driving to the bucket and getting to the line are at least ways to possibly take advantage of this situation. Of course, the motion offense is also a distinct advantage and we'll see how well Turgeon has studied the tapes.
- Continue to Feed Voskuil: I'm convinced that Voskuil is the key to this offense. I know, it's only taken me an entire season to figure this out, but the last 4 games or so, this offense has been clicking along at a really nice pace. It's no coincidence that Voskuil has been shooting lights out and has been much more involved in the offense. I'd like to see Roberson get more involved in feeding Voskuil, and I wouldn't mind seeing Roberson take a similar role in the offense, i.e. his teammates need to figure out what's the best way to get him open.
- Outstanding Frontcourt Defense: I thought that Suljagic, Cook and Rizvic have been absolutely outstanding defensively this year. I don't think there is a better team that does a better job of getting a body on the offensive player, even if that means a slight push, which makes the opposing offensive player a little off balance. Rizvic is great at doing this and I hope like hell that tonight's ref's aren't reading this. Give credit where credit is due, the frontcourt has been a big part of the improved play of this team
Probable Starting Lineups: I think we see a little bit more of Trevor Cook tonight, which is why I'm including him.
| Texas Tech | Ht. | Wt. | Pos. | Yr. | PPG | RPG | APG |
| John Roberson | 5-11 | 165 | G | Fr. | 12.3 | 2.7 | 3.5 |
| Alan Voskuil | 6-3 | 175 | G | Jr. | 13.4 | 4.0 | 1.4 |
| Martin Zeno | 6-5 | 208 | G/F | Sr. | 16.3 | 4.4 | 2.9 |
| Mike Singletary | 6-5 | 226 | F | Fr. | 7.7 | 3.3 | 1.0 |
| Damir Suljagic | 6-8 | 245 | F | Jr. | 5.2 | 4.3 | 0.8 |
| Trevor Cook | 6-8 | 225 | F | S9. | 4.4 | 2.3 | 0.6 |
| TAMU | Ht. | Wt. | Pos. | Yr. | PPG | RPG | APG |
| Dominique Kirk | 6-4 | 185 | G | Sr. | 7.9 | 3.6 | 3.7 |
| Donald Sloan | 6-3 | 205 | G | So. | 9.6 | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Josh Carter | 6-7 | 200 | F | Jr. | 12.8 | 4.3 | 1.6 |
| Joseph Jones | 6-9 | 255 | F | Sr. | 10.9 | 5.3 | 1.4 |
| Bryan Davis | 6-9 | 250 | F/C | So. | 9.0 | 5.1 | 1.4 |
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.