Texas Tech hosts Arkansas in a crucial non-conference matchup

After three consecutive losses in the Big-12, Texas Tech will get a much needed break from conference play. The Red Raiders will host 11-7 Arkansas on Saturday.

Arkansas, like Texas Tech, will enter this game on a big losing streak. Arkansas has won just one game in 2019. The Razorbacks are in the midst of a five-game losing streak. Tech, on the other hand, is currently in a three game skid. One of these losing streaks will end when these two teams square off at United Supermarkets Arena on Saturday.

Daniel Gafford is the one player that Texas Tech should fear. Gafford is a future NBA player who has some serious talent. On the season, the center is averaging 16.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steal per game. Gafford has been up and down recently. The star sophomore scored 32 points against LSU on January 12th, but besides that game he has been underwhelming. If you subtract his one big game, Gafford’s next highest scoring total in Arkansas’ last five games is just 13 points. Tech will hope to see the less impressive Daniel Gafford on Saturday.

Matt Mooney has struggled lately as well. In his last two games, Mooney has scored just four points. In fact, during Tech’s three game losing streak, Mooney has failed to score in double figures. Mooney has been the straw that stirs the drink for this Red Raider team. Mooney will need to get back on track if Tech wants to return to their previous forms.

Currently, Arkansas is a “bubble team.” A road win against Texas Tech would be a significant resume-building win for the Razorbacks. On the other hand, Texas Tech is looking for a win that would help them in securing a top seed in the tournament.