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Beyond the Arc: Texas Tech has an elite basketball team

Can the Red Raidesr live up to the hype?

NCAA Basketball: Hall of Fame Classic-Texas Tech at Nebraska Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Beyond The Arc: Texas Tech Basketball Edition

Yes, Texas Tech did just demolish a basketball team the other night, in a game where we led by a cool 43 points at the half. But there are far more exciting things coming Texas Tech Basketball’s way. Graduate transfers Matt Mooney and Tariq Owens have completely made up for loss of production from Keenan Evans and Zhaire Smith. And while it did not surprise me that the Red Raiders were unranked going into the season, Beard has proved to the nation that this squad is legit and ready for another tournament run.

A season of ridiculous stats

1. Every win has been by double digits.

2. Texas Tech is unbeaten, one of 9 teams left. This matches the team’s best start since the 2008-2009 season.

3. 2nd in the country in defensive efficiency.

4. Tariq Owens already has 26 blocks already in this season, and had a school record eight blocks versus Memphis.

Sweet Throwback Jerseys in Lubbock Municipal Coliseum

While this game against Abilene Christain may not be the sexiest game one the schedule, this will be a special one for Texas Tech. For 50 years Texas Tech Basketball played here, and they will have one last opportunity to suit up in the City Bank Auditorium. Students, get there early to enjoy sweet throwback uni’s and get you some free swag.

Does Texas Tech have a shot at beating Duke?

This will surely be a hot topic on next week’s Air Raid Podcast, but for now lets explore this match up against the Duke Blue Devils. The only coaches I respect more than Chris Beard are Greg Popovich and Coack K of Duke. This team will be ready for us and Zion Williamson will definitely be a touch match up for anybody on this team. However, like Tariq Owens’ dad said, defense travels.

In what figures to be a battle between two top 10 teams, I expect the Red Raiders to certainly be in this game late, giving the Blue Devils their toughest test this season. Win or lose, this will be the true barometer for Texas Tech Basketball, and we will know just how elite this team is come next week.