Texas Tech’s complete destruction of Oklahoma State proves Red Raiders still Big 12 contenders

Oklahoma State is a good basketball team.

When good basketball teams get absolutely waxed, it’s probably time to pay attention to the victors.

Texas Tech wrestled with Oklahoma State throughout the first half like a python toying with a rat before lunchtime, and when the second half came around, the Red Raiders found their grip and squeezed mercilessly.

It was supposed to be a close game. The Red Raiders were favored by 5.5 points according to Vegas - a fair prediction given the performances of these two teams up until today. Both Oklahoma State and Texas Tech were settling into that second tier of Big 12 teams and top-15-25 in the country.

This afternoon changed that perception for one program, at least.

• Jahmi’us Ramsey is no longer a talented freshman loaded with potential. He’s way ahead in his development, so that analysis doesn’t do him justice. He’s an elite Big 12 guard and a serious contender for Big 12 player of the year if he remains healthy, and if Tech continues throttling its league foes.
• T.J. Holyfield is no longer a grad transfer who may be able to chip in offensively off the bench. He’s a legitimate starter capable of dropping 15-20 points on a given night.
• Terrence Shannon Jr. is no longer a long-term project. He’s an impact player right now, and on both ends of the floor.

Chris Beard proved Saturday you can’t bury this team into the depths of the Big 12. No, Texas Tech is still a conference frontrunner and among the elite teams in the country. Don’t test that premise, or he may put together another 35-point win on a team you respect.