The NCAA’s top shooting defense will be at home in United Supermarkets Arena, when the 14th-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders (21-5, 9-4 Big 12) battle with the 12th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks (20-6, 9-4 Big 12). Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Odds
Both teams dismantled their last opponent. The Red Raiders defeated the Baylor Bears 86-61, while the Jayhawks beat the West Virginia Mountaineers 78-53.
Kansas played a nearly perfect game. They had a phenomenal effective field goal percentage of 0.604 (above their season average of 0.533) and a free throw rate of 0.264 (above their season average of 0.229). West Virginia put up marks of 0.364 and 0.169, respectively, for those same stats. Texas Tech, meanwhile, played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.5 (better than their season average of 17.3) and a free throw rate of 0.556 (above their season average of 0.237). For those same stats, Baylor had marks of 23.7 and 0.367, respectively. Jarrett Culver had a solid outing for Texas Tech with 18 points and eight rebounds. Devon Dotson played well for Kansas, finishing with 15 points, eight assists and five rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Dedric Lawson led the Jayhawks to a 79-63 victory. He recorded a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Kansas was lights out from beyond the arc (13-30; 43.3 percent). Texas Tech, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.9 vs. 19.4).
Kansas might have a tough time finding the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Texas Tech ranks first in defensive efficiency, while the Jayhawks rank 110th in offensive efficiency.
Kansas Jayhawks at Texas Tech Red Raiders Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Texas Tech, ATS Winner – Texas Tech, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Texas Tech ranks 79th in three pointers allowed per game (20.8) while Kansas ranks 256th (25.7).
- The Red Raiders rank 18th in blocks per game (4.9) while the Jayhawks rank 111th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
- Texas Tech ranks 53rd in steals per game (7.4) while Kansas ranks 131st in steals allowed per game (6.5).
- The Red Raiders rank 39th in rebounds allowed per game (32.0) while the Jayhawks rank 207th (36.1).
- Texas Tech ranks second in assists allowed per game (9.1) while Kansas ranks 150th (13.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Red Raiders have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (3.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 58.8 points per game (1.6 above their season average).
- The Jayhawks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.2, up from 7.1 for the season.
