It will be a matchup between two stifling defenses when the 22nd-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders (10-3, 1-0 Big 12) take on the fourth-ranked Baylor Bears (11-1, 1-0 Big 12) at United Supermarkets Arena. Action gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, and can be seen on ESPN2.
Baylor Bears vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Red Raiders won big over the Oklahoma State Cowboys 85-50, while the Bears beat the Texas Longhorns 59-44.
Baylor played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.219 (matching their season average) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 42.2 (above their season average of 36.8). For those same stats, Texas was 0.096 and 23.7, respectively. Meanwhile, Texas Tech played a perfect game. They had a phenomenal effective field goal percentage of 0.627 (above their season average of 0.508) and a turnover percentage of 12.3 (better than their season average of 16.9). For those same stats, Oklahoma State was 0.375 and 18.9, respectively. TJ Holyfield played a key role for Texas Tech with 17 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Baylor rallied around MaCio Teague, who had 21 points and six rebounds.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Red Raiders won the last game 86-61. The Red Raiders’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Bears. Texas Tech had a rate of 11.5, while Baylor posted a mark of 23.7. This will be the first meeting of the year between these two teams.
Points could be at a premium in this meeting between two of the country’s best defenses. Texas Tech ranks 18th in defensive efficiency (86.9) and Baylor is 11th (85.3). Also, the Bears, who rank 10th in offensive rebounding percentage (37.3 percent), will square off against the Red Raiders, who rank 21st in defensive rebounding percentage (77.2 percent).
Baylor Bears vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Odds Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Baylor, ATS Winner – Baylor, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Texas Tech ranks 18th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Baylor ranks 153rd (4.8).
- 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 averages 38.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 73rd in the country. Baylor ranks 79th in rebounds allowed per game (33.3).
- 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).
Bettings Trends:
- 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).
- The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.0, down from 16.8 for the season.
