The No. 18 Texas Tech Red Raiders have been unable to build upon the success the program experienced in last year’s NCAA tournament. Chris Beard’s kids have managed a 12-6 record to this point of the season, but have gone on to cost CBB bettors money at online sportsbooks by managing just eight pointspread covers in those matchups. On top of that, they’ve failed to come through against any team faced with a pulse. They’ll be looking to remedy that on Saturday night in front of what will no doubt be a raucous crowd when Tyrese Maxey and the No. 15 Kentucky Wildcats come a calling looking to log their biggest win on the true road to date.
This Big 12/SEC Challenge tussle will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2020. Tip-off will be at 6 p.m. ET from United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, TX. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. So make sure to fill out your March Madness Bracket today!
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Odds Analysis
With losses to Evansville and Utah already under its belt; a couple of teams currently ranked No. 286 and No. 121 by KenPom, the Wildcats have given reason to futures bettors that they’re not national championship worthy when not playing at peak level. But that hasn’t been the case of late with John Calipari’s kids logging wins six of the last seven times they took to the hardwood; the lone defeat came on the road at South Carolina in a game the Gamecocks came up with a miraculous last-second shot to spring the upset. Things look to be falling into place for a KY Jelly team that stands 2-1 SU and ATS when dogged this season.
The Red Raiders best win to this point of the season has come against Louisville on a neutral court back on December 10. But before that, Jahmi’us Ramsey and his mates logged defeats against Iowa, Creighton and DePaul. Then there was the tough home loss against the Baylor Bears followed by the 12-point defeat in Morgantown against the Mountaineers. Though they followed those two defeats up with a pair of wins, Texas Tech returns home for this one off an ugly 65-54 defeat at TCU that saw them blow a 31-27 halftime lead. Even so, the Red Raiders have come out on top in 18 of their last 20 home games (9-10-1 ATS).
Matchup to Watch
Offensive rebounding is going to play an enormous role in this matchup between a pair of defenses that can lock it down with the best of them at a moment’s notice. Texas Tech marches a plethora of guards onto the court every passing game, but doesn’t possess a premiere glass cleaner; Chris Clarke and his 6’6” frame leads the team in rebounding with an average of 7.9 per game. That’s not the case for Kentucky who has a monster to rely upon in the form of junior Nick Richards who leads the team in rebounding with 7.8 per game. He’s one of six players on the roster averaging at least 4.2 caroms per contest. As great the Red Raiders defense has been (No. 7), it won’t matter if it continues giving the Wildcats numerous shot opportunities per possession. Its ability to limit Kentucky on the offensive glass will go a long way in deciding how this game plays out.
Prediction
Sorry, but I’m just not buying the Red Raiders this season. While it does possess a solid win over The Ville, it’s literally the only one it can throw its hat on right now. As for Kentucky, it really looks to be getting in a groove right now, and if you want to argue with me about how Texas Tech’s overall talent is on par with the Wildcats, I got some prime real estate to sell ya in Antarctica. The only way the Wildcats get into trouble in this matchup is if they flat out kill themselves with turnovers. While the 15 committed in each of the last two road games at Arkansas and South Carolina are without a doubt a concern with Texas Tech one of the best in the country at forcing turnovers (No. 12), I’m just not buying into the Red Raiders at the moment. Look for Kentucky’s talent advantage and ability to own the glass to ultimately allow them to escape Lubbock with the dub.
College Basketball Pick: Kentucky 73, Texas Tech 70
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