The 23rd-ranked Oklahoma Sooners (12-2, 1-1 Big 12) will have their hands full against the country’s top shooting defense when they square off with the 11th-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders (13-1, 2-0 Big 12) at United Supermarkets Arena. Action gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, and can be seen on ESPNews.
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Red Raiders won big over the UIW Cardinals 87-37, while the Sooners beat the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros 91-76.
Oklahoma dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.379 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.595. UT Rio Grande Valley had marks of 0.130 and 0.486, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Texas Tech dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.675 and a turnover percentage of 18.2. UIW put up marks of 0.286 and 34.6, respectively, for those same stats. Jarrett Culver led the way for Texas Tech, finishing with 16 points. Oklahoma was lifted by Christian James, who put up 29 points.
This was a highly contested series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Red Raiders won the most recent game 88-78. The Red Raiders’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Sooners. Texas Tech had a rate of 12.0, while Oklahoma posted a mark of 17.3. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The Sooners’ James has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Culver has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Red Raiders.
Points could be at a premium in this showdown between two of the country’s premier defenses. Texas Tech currently ranks first in defensive efficiency (77.8) and Oklahoma is 20th (90.2).
Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Texas Tech, ATS Winner – Oklahoma, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Texas Tech ranks 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (30.9) while Oklahoma ranks 205th (37.6).
- The Sooners rank 205th in three pointers attempted per game (20.4) while the Red Raiders rank 265th (17.4).
- Texas Tech averages 7.6 steals per game, which ranks 61st in the nation. Oklahoma ranks 118th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
- The Red Raiders rank first in assists allowed per game (8.1) while the Sooners rank 81st (12.2).
- Texas Tech averages 5.1 blocks per game, which ranks 20th in the NCAA. Oklahoma ranks 81st in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Sooners have scored an average of 75.2 points per game (0.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.0 points per game (2.8 above their season average).
- The Red Raiders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 26.8, up from 20.4 for the season.
