The No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks (17-3, 6-1 Big 12) welcome the Texas Tech Red Raiders (13-7, 4-3 Big 12) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against exceptional defense. The game can be seen on ESPN at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Kansas Jayhawks Free Prediction
In the Red Raiders’ last outing, they beat the No. 12 West Virginia Mountaineers, 89-81. The Red Raiders, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.500, had a fantastic mark of 0.663 and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.0 (above their season average of 29.3). Terrence Shannon Jr. had a solid performance for Texas Tech, putting up 23 points and seven rebounds.
The Jayhawks were victorious over the Oklahoma State Cowboys in their last game, 65-50. Kansas’ 0.491 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Oklahoma State, who had a rate of 0.297. The Jayhawks’ mark was below their season average of 0.552, while the Cowboys’ was below their season average of 0.470. Christian Braun was Kansas’ top scorer with 16 points on 5-for-11 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, the Red Raiders won 91-62. The Red Raiders had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 19.2) and had a much better turnover percentage (11.5 vs. 19.6).
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Kansas takes on the elite defense of Texas Tech. The Jayhawks rank 21st in offensive efficiency, while the Red Raiders are 22nd in defensive efficiency. Also, the Red Raiders rank 30th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.280), while the Jayhawks rank 12th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.154).
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Kansas Jayhawks Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Texas Tech, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Texas Tech ranks 62nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.7) while Kansas ranks 246th (25.4).
The Jayhawks rank 50th in rebounds per game (38.8) while the Red Raiders rank 165th (35.3).
Texas Tech averages 16.3 assists per game, which ranks 20th in the nation. Kansas ranks 92nd in assists allowed per game (11.9).
The Red Raiders rank 60th in steals per game (7.7) while the Jayhawks rank 126th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
Kansas ranks 27th in blocks per game (4.9) while Texas Tech ranks 77th (3.8).
The Red Raiders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.8, down from 10.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Jayhawks have scored an average of 70.4 points per game (5.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 57.4 points per game (3.0 below their season average).
