clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Preview and Game Thread | West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech and West Virginia play in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City, Missouri.

Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Spo

GAME INFORMATION

vs

West Virginia Mountaineers (13-18, 6-12)

Texas Tech Red Raiders (10-19, 3-15)

March 13, 2013 @ 6:00 pm

Sprint Center | Kansas City, MO

TV: Big 12 Network | Radio: Affiliates

Probable Starters

Juwan Staten (6-1/190)

PG

Josh Gray (6-1/175)

Gary Brown (6-1/190)

SG

Dusty Hannahs (6-4/210)

Eron Harris (6-2/190)

TG

Jamal Williams, Jr. (6-4/190)

Dominique Rutledge (6-8/245)

PF

Jordan Tolbert (6-7/225)

Deniz Kilicli (6-9/260)

C

Dejan Kravic (6-11/240)

STORY OF THE DAY

Win or go home. For both WVU and Texas Tech. At this point in the season, I don't knwo how much I really have to add about any of these teams, especially two of the lower tier teams in WVU and Texas Tech. They're both fighting for relevancy in this tournament and I'm, of course, hopeful that Texas Tech can get a win here. Third time's the charm, right?

For me, the bigger question is the future of Texas Tech basketball and where it is headed. That's more interesting and important to me at this point. In listening to Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt discuss the situation, he knows that time is of the essence, but he wanted to interview a handful of candidates. I think Hocutt owes it to those loyal Texas Tech fans for that to be the case. As much as we may like what Head Coach Chris Walker has done, and I'm in line with that, I want the best possible coach moving forward, whether that be Walker or someone else.

"Given the set of circumstances with Texas Tech basketball, we have to get this right," Hocutt said. "Because of that we’ve got to be diligent and go through the process to establish the right leadership."

Tech intends to talk to multiple candidates with head coaching experience, Hocutt said, with Walker one of those candidates.

"Chris Walker has earned the right to be a part of that process," Hocutt said.Walker goes on to ay that he is confident that he's handled the situation correctly. There is absolutely no doubt about that. As many comments as I've read, I don't think anyone has questioned how Walker handled taking over the head coaching position, but that's not the question. The question is if he is the best candidate and that's the fork in the road that Hocutt is sitting at this time.

Of course, as much as I look towards the future and a winning program, these players are focusing on 6:00 pm tonight. The here and now. I expect this game to be competitive and as long as Kilici doesn't get fouled and get to the line, then I really like Texas Tech's chances.