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The Red Raiders head into Big 12 play at 10-1 and want to prove they're the real deal. What better way to prove you're a legit team than by beating a very talented Texas squad. ESPN's Andy Katz even had a few nice words about what Texas Tech can do this season if they start Big 12 play off right. You can watch the quick video here.
Be sure to catch the game on ESPNU at 1:00 PM. Texas Tech has been playing on FSSW+ so this will be a nice change to a more national setting.
Texas Key Players
| Category | Stat | Name |
| Points/Game | 15.1 | G Isaiah Taylor |
| Rebounds/Game | 10.0 | C Cameron Ridley |
| Assist/Game | 4.8 | G Isaiah Taylor |
| 3pt Made/3pt % | 26/52, 50.0% | G Javan Felix |
| Free Throw % | 61/81, 75.3% | G Isaiah Taylor |
You may notice that Cameron Ridley is averaging 10 rebounds a game but last week the big man broke a bone in his foot and is out indefinitely. Ridley was averaging 14.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 6.5 blocks a game before the injury took place last Sunday at a practice of all places. The Longhorns will be in search of someone to fill in at their C/PF position.
Last 5 Games
| 12/8 UT San Antonio | W 116-50 |
| 12/12 #3 North Carolina | W 84-82 |
| 12/15 Appalachian State | W 67-55 |
| 12/19 Stanford | W 75-73 |
| 12/29 Connecticut | L 71-66 |
Texas has 4 losses on the year to Washington, Texas A&M, Michigan and UConn. They picked up a win against Washington a few games later after their initial loss to the Huskies and the Longhorns pulled off an upset against #3 North Carolina. In their first game without Ridley, UT lost to UConn 71-66. Ridley is/was a key player for the Longhorns so it will be interesting to see if they can keep winning without him.
Prediction
Texas Tech 76 - Texas 69
The Red Raiders are facing the Longhorns at the right time. Texas Tech is a hot team and have won 9 straight. The Longhorns just lost their first game without Cameron Ridley in the lineup and UT is still in search of a way to fill in for Ridley's production. Look for the Red Raiders to strike while the iron is hot.