Drake Bulldogs vs Texas Tech Red Raiders Prediction – 3/22/2025

The NCAA Tournament's second round brings an intriguing contest between the 11th-seeded Drake Bulldogs and the 3rd-seeded Texas Tech Red Raiders. Scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 6:10 PM Eastern Time, this game will take place at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas, and will be broadcast on TNT.

Drake Bulldogs vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Game Preview

Drake enters this matchup with a 31-3 record, having recently secured a 67-57 victory over Missouri in the first round. The Bulldogs showcased their defensive prowess by limiting Missouri, a team averaging 84.5 points per game, to just 57 points. This performance underscores Drake's defensive capabilities, as they rank second nationally in scoring defense, allowing only 58.4 points per game.

Leading the charge for Drake is junior guard Bennett Stirtz, the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year. Stirtz played all 40 minutes against Missouri, contributing 21 points and four assists while shooting 8-for-11 from the field, including 3-for-3 from three-point range. His season averages stand at 19.2 points and 5.6 assists per game, with a 39.7% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Additionally, Tavion Banks, the Missouri Valley Conference Sixth Man of the Year, added 15 points and nine rebounds off the bench in the first-round victory.

On the other side, Texas Tech boasts a 26-8 record after an 82-72 win over UNC Wilmington. The Red Raiders' offense is spearheaded by super-senior Kerwin Walton, who delivered a career-high 27 points in the first round, hitting 8-of-19 from three-point range. Complementing Walton's efforts, senior guard Elijah Hawkins recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists, while sophomore forward JT Toppin, the Big 12 Player of the Year, added 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Texas Tech's offensive strength is evident, averaging 80.9 points per game. However, they faced challenges in their recent outing, shooting 39.1% from the field and 28.3% from three-point range. The absence of super-senior guard Chance McMillian, the team's third-leading scorer at 14.2 points per game, due to an upper-body injury, has impacted their offensive rhythm.

Betting Insights

As of the latest updates, Texas Tech is favored by 7.5 points, with the over/under set at 126.5 points. The moneyline stands at -325 for Texas Tech and +260 for Drake. These odds reflect the Red Raiders' higher seeding and offensive capabilities, but also acknowledge Drake's defensive strengths and recent performance.

Drake Bulldogs vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Prediction

This matchup presents a classic offense-versus-defense scenario. Texas Tech's high-scoring offense will be tested against Drake's disciplined defense. The Bulldogs have demonstrated their ability to control the game's tempo and limit high-powered offenses, as evidenced by their performance against Missouri.

For Texas Tech, the key will be to establish their offensive rhythm early and capitalize on their size advantage, particularly with Toppin in the paint. However, the potential absence of McMillian could hinder their perimeter shooting, making it crucial for other players to step up.

Drake's success will hinge on Stirtz's leadership and the team's ability to maintain defensive intensity. If they can force turnovers and convert them into points, they have a solid chance to keep the game within reach.

Considering the current form and dynamics, while Texas Tech is likely to secure the win, Drake's defensive tenacity suggests they can cover the spread. Therefore, the recommendation is to take Drake +7.5, anticipating a closely contested game that highlights the strengths of both teams.