Only one team will extend their impressive winning streak this Saturday. The Texas Tech Red Raiders march into Allen Fieldhouse having won their last five games, including three-straight wins over formidable opponents like Iowa State, Baylor and Oklahoma.
The second-ranked Kansas Jayhawks, meanwhile, will be looking to extend their eight-game winning streak to nine. And more importantly, a win for them would mean their 12th-consecutive Big 12 title.
Which of these two programs will come out on top? Let’s now take an in-depth look at this promising matchup. For more college basketball action, check out our other previews of: Indiana vs. Illinois and Providence vs. Seton Hall.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Kansas Jayhawks Preview
Where: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas
When: Saturday, February 27, 2016, 12:00 PM ET
Line: Texas Tech Red Raiders at Kansas Jayhawks – view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Texas Tech Red Raiders (18-9, 8-7 Big 12)
Now, they’ll be looking to continue their run when they go head-to-head with the No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks at the Allen Fieldhouse. Both squads met earlier this season in Lubbock, wherein the Jayhawks took care of business by coming away with the 69-59 win.
In order for the Red Raiders to get their revenge, they ought to maintain their aggressiveness on the offensive side of the floor. That being said, Devaugntah Williams has got to put an end to his scoring woes. He’s only racked up a total of 17 points in the last four games, but remains to be the team’s top-scorer with 11.1 points a game.
Furthermore, expect Ross and Zach Smith to try building on their career performances against the Horned Frogs. Ross, in particular, should have a better chance in doing so as he’s scored in double-digits in his past eight contests. He’s averaging 16.8 points and is shooting 44.8% during that span.
Defense, however, is arguably the biggest key for the Red Raiders. They’ll be opposing a loaded Kansas offense that’s putting up at least 80 points per game this season.
Texas Tech, which is giving up 73.0 points on the road, is 6-4 SU and 4-6 ATS in its previous 10 outings.
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Betting on the Kansas Jayhawks (24-4, 12-3 Big 12)
Dominating. That’s basically what the No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks have been accustomed to doing these days. They march into this encounter versus the Texas Tech Red Raiders as winners of their previous eight matches. During that stretch, they’ve beaten their opponents by an average margin of 12.4 points and are scoring almost 80 points per contest. And needless to say, the Jayhawks will be looking to sustain their aggressiveness on offense later.
Expect none other than the trio of Perry Ellis, Wayne Selden Jr. and Frank Mason III to lead their attack from the get go. All are putting up double-figures in points this season and Ellis, specifically, has been the most productive with 16.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
It’s also worth noting that Mason III, who is tallying 14.8 points in the last five games, will be aiming to build on his performance during their win over Baylor on Tuesday. He went 7-of-11 from the field for a game-high of 19 points to go along with four boards and three dimes.
Defensively, the Jayhawks have been relatively solid this year, surrendering 68.1 points per game. But their defense has been better in their current eight-game run by giving up just 65.7 points in that stretch.
Kansas is undefeated and 7-3 ATS in its past 10 games at home.
Writer’s Prediction
Kansas wins it, 81-70.
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