The Colorado Buffaloes are set to face the Texas Tech Red Raiders in a highly anticipated college basketball matchup in Lubbock, Texas, with tip-off scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Texas Tech enters the game as 14.5-point favorites, with a moneyline of -1600, while the total points are set at 156.5.
In their previous encounter, Colorado showcased their resilience, mounting a significant comeback from a 24-point deficit. However, they fell short when Barrington Hargress missed a critical three-point shot at the buzzer. The Buffaloes have seen a mixed performance lately, winning two of their last three games, which places them at 14-10 overall and 4-7 in the Big 12.
Key player Isaiah Johnson has been pivotal for Colorado, scoring 21 points, all in the second half, during the last matchup against Texas Tech. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to score in double figures, contributing significantly to Colorado’s offensive strategy. Alongside him, 6-foot-11 forward Sebastian Rancik adds depth, capable of shooting from both inside and beyond the arc. In their previous meeting, Rancik scored 13 points, proving himself a valuable asset.
Meanwhile, Texas Tech looks to build on their recent victory over West Virginia, which ended a two-game losing streak. The Red Raiders now hold a record of 17-6 overall and 7-3 in the Big 12. Christian Anderson emerged as a standout player, recording 13 points and 11 assists in the last game, demonstrating his playmaking abilities. His effectiveness stems from the two-man game, where he has excelled this season, showcasing an impressive effective field goal percentage.
However, Colorado’s struggle on the road this season, with a record of 1-5, could pose challenges. Despite their valiant effort in the first matchup, factors such as foul discrepancies and a dominant offensive rebounding performance from Texas Tech might hinder their chances this time. In their last encounter, the Red Raiders secured 16 offensive rebounds, contributing significantly to their scoring opportunities.
With the Red Raiders playing at home, their aggressive defensive style is likely to pose difficulties for Colorado, potentially resulting in lower shooting percentages for the Buffaloes. Therefore, the prediction leans heavily towards Texas Tech covering the spread as they look to reaffirm their home-court advantage and maintain their strong position in the conference standings.
The matchup promises an exciting clash of styles, with both teams keen on solidifying their standings in a competitive Big 12.