Preview and Game Thread | Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Kansas Jayhawks

The Red Raiders travel to Lawrence to take on the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks.

By Seth C Mar 4, 2013, 8:30am CST

GAME INFORMATION
	vs
Kansas Jayhawks (25-4, 13-2)		Texas Tech Red Raiders (9-17, 2-13)
March 4, 2013 @ 6:00 pm
Allen Field House \| Lawrence, KS
TV: ESPNU \| Radio: Affiliates
Probable Starters
Elijah Johnson (6-4/195)	PG	Josh Gray (6-1/175)
Ben McLemore (6-5/195)	SG	Dusty Hannahs (6-4/210)
Travis Releford (6-6/210)	TG	Jamal Williams, Jr. (6-4/190)
Kevin Young (6-8/210)	PF	Jordan Tolbert (6-7/225)
Jeff Withey (7-0/235)	C	Dejan Kravic (6-11/240)

SCOUTING THE JAYHAWKS

Welp, I think that Kansas is the best team in the Big 12, apologies to Oklahoma St., who is a close second, and now Texas Tech gets the Jayhawks on senior night, which means that they'll have extra motivation. Kansas has two of the best players in the country in McLemore and Withey and they start four seniors in Withey, Johnson, Young and Releford. This is a tall task for a Texas Tech team that just snapped a nine game losing streak and now faces one of the best teams in the nation.

Kansas is still and seemingly always one of the best teams in the nation and is holding opponents at the country's best 35.5% and that's always the backbone of most Kansas teams. McLemore is they country's best shooting guard, as a true freshman. Withey is a shot-blocking machine and along with Young helps form the 4th best shot-blocking team in the nation.

KEYS TO SUCCESS

Whenever my kiddo is doing something that seems incredibly tough and he asks for help, I help him, but I also tell him to be strong. So, Red Raiders, be strong. Obviously, the odds are stacked against you. Senior night. One of the best teams in the nation.

Just be strong.

Texas Tech did unveil some new things against TCU, so who knows if Texas Tech will try something new or try to continue those things against Kansas. Of course, with such a limited time to prepare that would seemingly be tough, plus it would mean that Kansas doesn't stay on their man on defense and doesn't have a 7-0 center that could thrwart a lot of those lob attempts. Shots are definitely going to be tougher to come by against Kansas and that's one of Texas Tech's worst traits.

So be strong Red Raiders. Do your absolute best. Hustle after every ball and may the basketball gods shine upon you.