Offense meets defense when the No. 4 Baylor Bears (11-1, 1-0 Big 12) visit Texas Tech to take on the No. 22 Red Raiders (10-3, 1-0 Big 12). The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
Baylor Bears vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Free Prediction
In the Bears’ last matchup, they defeated the Texas Longhorns, 59-44. The Bears made 14 of their 16 free throws (87.5 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 42.2 (above their season average of 36.8). With 21 points on 5-for-16 shooting, MaCio Teague was the game’s high scorer.
The Red Raiders dismantled the Oklahoma State Cowboys in their last outing, 85-50. The Red Raiders had a ridiculous effective field goal percentage of 0.627 (above their season average of 0.508) and had a turnover percentage of 12.3 (better than their season average of 16.9). With 17 points and seven rebounds, TJ Holyfield had a solid game for Texas Tech.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Red Raiders won the most recent contest 86-61. The Red Raiders had a much better turnover percentage (11.5 vs. 23.7) and had a much better free throw rate (0.556 vs. 0.367).
Points could be at a premium in this showdown between two of the country’s premier defenses. Texas Tech currently ranks 18th in defensive efficiency (86.9) and Baylor is 11th (85.3). Additionally, the Bears, who rank 10th in offensive rebounding percentage (37.3 percent), will face off against the Red Raiders, who rank 21st in defensive rebounding percentage (77.2 percent).
Baylor vs. Texas Tech Free Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Baylor, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Texas Tech ranks 18th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Baylor ranks 153rd (4.8).
The Bears rank 36th in three pointers allowed per game (18.6) while the Red Raiders rank 119th (21.3).
Texas Tech ranks 11th in assists per game (17.5) while Baylor ranks 72nd (14.7).
The Bears rank 32nd in steals per game (8.8) while the Red Raiders rank 77th in steals allowed per game (6.1).
Texas Tech ranks 73rd in rebounds per game (38.6) while Baylor ranks 79th in rebounds allowed per game (33.3).
The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.0, down from 16.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Red Raiders have scored an average of 73.4 points per game (3.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 57.6 points per game (4.6 below their season average).
