:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52750305/usa_today_9803155.0.jpg)
Now 2-2 in Big 12 play, Texas Tech hits the road to take on a struggling Oklahoma team. The weather is supposed to be snowy/icy, and OU students aren’t all back on campus yet, so it could be a smaller crowd than usual. Currently tied for 5th in the Big 12 standings and with the conference looking tough as a whole, any road win is a big deal for Texas Tech. After dropping a game they should have won in Ames and falling short in Lawrence last weekend, the Red Raiders are still in search of their first Big 12 road win.
The game will be televised on ESPNU at 7:30 CST.
Oklahoma Key Players
- Points/Game: 16.6, Jordan Woodard, G
- Rebounds/Game: 5.9, Khadeem Lattin, F
- Assists/Game: 3.7, Jordan Woodard, G
- 3-PT FG %: 47.3% ,Christian James, G
- Blocks: 32, Khadeem Lattin, F
Oklahoma’s star player Jordan Woodard returns to the hardwood tonight, just in time to face the Red Raiders. We’re glad he’s healthy again, and Tech better be ready for him. Woodard and James (listed above) join Matt Freeman as a trio that shoots over 40% from 3-point range. Texas Tech has struggled defending the perimeter lately, so they’ll need to hold these guys in check. Lastly, Texas Tech’s athletic F Zach Smith measures up well with the 6’9” Khadeem Lattin, OU’s most productive big man. Overall this should be a good matchup.
Last Five Games
- 12/21 vs. Auburn: L 70-74
- 12/30 vs. Baylor: L 50-76
- 1/03 @ TCU: L 57-60
- 1/07 @ Kansas State: L 64-75
- 1/10 vs. Kansas: L 70-81
In all, the Sooners have lost seven in a row with their last win coming December 7 vs. Oral Roberts. I can’t quite figure out what kind of team OU is. They’ve lost close games and blowouts, high-scoring games and low-scoring ones. Personally, I don’t think they’re as bad as their 6-9 record shows.
Prediction
Texas Tech 70, Oklahoma 76
This won’t be the most popular prediction with Tech fans, but going on the road after a couple huge wins against West Virginia and Kansas State makes me nervous. It’s still relatively early in the season, and this game feels like a trap. With some big wins under their belt and set to face the worst team they’ve played in the Big 12 so far, it wouldn’t be shocking if Tech overlooked OU and didn’t play as well as they’re capable of – especially if the Sooners are sparked by the return of Jordan Woodard. I hope I’m wrong. Playing 40 minutes of good basketball on the road tonight would speak volumes about the maturity of Chris Beard’s squad.