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The Red Raiders will play the Oklahoma State Cowboys tomorrow at noon! This is the second meeting of the season for these two teams and it is a pivotal game for both squads. The Red Raiders need this win to solidify their third-place standing in the Big 12 while the Cowboys need to bolster their resume for a potential NIT or even and CBI Tournament invite.
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The Red Raiders come in on a three-game winning streak against what is considered inferior competition, although they needed a comeback against Texas. Tech sits alone in third place for the conference title behind Kansas and Baylor and it appears that one of those two teams will win the Big 12 Title unless something drastic happens between now and then.
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The Cowboys got their second Big 12 win against Kansas State earlier this week. They now tied for the last place in the Big 12 with Kansas State. They are led by a mix of younger and older players and are now led in scoring by senior forward Lindy Waters III. He is averaging 11.6 points per game and last season he was a very good three-point shooter. He has received more attention this season from defenses and I believe that is the reason his production is slightly down from last season.
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Another player to look for is Isaac Likekele. He is their best playmaker and makes their entire offense go. The Red Raiders did an excellent job on Likekele last time these two teams played but he has improved as late. He had 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists against No. 1 Baylor and can fill up the stat sheet any time he is out on the court.
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Cameron McGriff is the final player to key in on. He is their best interior player and also can make shots at every level. He is very good at boxing out and rebounding over taller guys. His athleticism is very good and I think he will give the Red Raiders fits at certain times in this game.
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Tech has their work cut out for them, but I think the Red Raiders are on a roll right now. Oklahoma State looks to be on the upswing in the future but this team right now does not have the horses to run with almost anyone in the Big 12. I believe on the back of another impressive game by TJ Holyfield, the Red Raiders can cruise to a victory.