Preview | Kansas St. Wildcats vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders

GAME INFORMATION
	vs
Kansas St. Wildcats (17-4, 6-2)		Texas Tech Red Raiders (9-10, 2-6)
February 5, 2013 @ 7:00 pm
United Spirit Arena | Lubbock, TX
TV: Big 12 Network | Radio: Affiliates | GameCast: FoxSports
Probable Starters
Angel Rodriguez (5-11/180)	PG	Josh Gray (6-1/175)
Will Spradling (6-2/180)	SG	Dusty Hannahs (6-4/210)
Rodney McGruder (6-4/205)	TG	Jamal Williams, Jr. (6-4/190)
Shane Southwell (6-6/210)	PF	Jordan Tolbert (6-7/225)
Jordan Henriquez (6-11/250)	C	Dejan Kravic (6-11/240)

SCOUTING THE WILDCATS

Yet another terrific defensive team in Kansas St. The Wildcats are 18th in scoring defense and 16th in three-point field goal percentage. The Wildcats don't really turn the ball over, 46th in the nation and have a terrific assist to turnover ratio, coming in at 20th in the nation.

The offense isn't spectacular, 153rd in scoring offense and 179th in field-goal percentage. So their offensive numbers aren't off the charts (they are better than Texas Tech's), but they are led by McGruder, who is the only player averaging in double figures. Henriquez is a difference maker on the defensive end of the floor. Meanwhile, Rodriguez is averaging almost 5 assists a game and about only 2 assist per game. I'd love for Josh Gray to mature into these types of numbers next year. Southwesll is the team's best three-point threat at 43%.

KEYS TO SUCCESS

K-State and Texas Tech are more similar than not in terms of numbers, but K-State is obviously a much better team. The biggest difference between these two teams are the turnovers as Kansas St. only averages 11 per game while Texas Tech averages 15. Add in an offensive rebounding advantage for Kansas St. and you've got a handful of extra possessions that helps Kansas St. have that winning record.

Texas Tech will need to do the things that they have always done, which is not have a ton of turnovers, rebound the ball, and defend that three-point shot and Texas Tech will have a real opportunity. I am interested to see how Texas Tech and Jordan Tolbert matches up with a smaller player inside. I'd love to see Walker pull out Henriquez and let Tolbert operate down low with a smaller player.

I'd also add that I'm not sure as to what Walker does as far as the starting lineup. Last game, Ty Nurse and Kader Tapsoba started in place of Dusty Hannahs and Dejan Kravic. If that continues this game, then I'll change the table. I get the feeling that Kravic will start and I'm not sure about Hannahs since it was apparently an injury that kept him out of the starting lineup.

GAME DAY LINKS

Red Raiders Prepare To Battle No. 13 Wildcats - Texas Tech Red Raiders Official Athletic Site

Texas Tech aiming to plug offensive holes vs. No. 13 Kansas State | Red Raiders

Red Raiders look to bounce back at home - The Daily Toreador: Sports