The No. 18 Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-1, 1-0 Big 12) look to prolong their six-game winning streak against the No. 10 Kansas Jayhawks (11-2, 1-0 Big 12) at Allen Fieldhouse. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 147 points with Kansas set as a 7-point favorite. Action begins at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
Texas Tech Red Raiders at Kansas Jayhawks Odds Preview
In the Red Raiders last game, they dismantled the No. 18 Baylor Bears, 77-53. With 11 points and five assists, Niem Stevenson played well for Texas Tech. Texas Tech played a nearly perfect game. They had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 53.6 (above their season average of 33.8) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.587 (above their season average of 0.553). Baylor was 25.0 and 0.402, respectively, for those same stats.
The Jayhawks will look to maintain momentum after beating the Texas Longhorns in their last contest, 92-86. With 23 points on 6-for-15 shooting, Devonte Graham was the top scorer from either team. The Jayhawks had a better effective field goal percentage (0.572 vs. 0.479) and had a turnover percentage of 9.6 (better than their season average of 14.7).
This showdown pits one of the nations top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Kansas currently ranks 10th in offensive efficiency and Texas Tech ranks first in defensive efficiency.
Both of these teams have typically gone under the projected point total. Games featuring Texas Tech have gone under 66.7 percent of the time, while 58.3 percent of Kansas games have finished under. Both teams have superb straight up (SU) records (12-1 for Texas Tech; 11-2 for Kansas), but the Jayhawks have the advantage against the spread (ATS). Kansas is 8-4 ATS, while the Red Raiders are 6-3.
Both teams have had a player trending in the right direction over their last five games. For the Red Raiders, it’s been Zhaire Smith, who has averaged 11.8 points, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks, while the Jayhawks have received great contributions from Udoka Azubuike (16.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks).
This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Jayhawks won both games played against each other last season. In the last matchup, Kansas won 80-79. Kansas had a better turnover percentage (11.8 vs. 13.7). Texas Tech, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.0 vs. 31.4).
Texas Tech Red Raiders at Kansas Jayhawks Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Kansas, ATS Winner – Texas Tech, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Red Raiders rank 13th in steals per game (9.2) while the Jayhawks rank 66th in steals allowed per game (5.8).
- Texas Tech ranks second in assists allowed per game (8.8) while Kansas ranks 55th (11.7).
- Texas Tech is 2-1 ATS on the road with 2 unders and 1 over.
- Kansas is 5-1 ATS at home with 4 overs and 2 unders.
- Kansas ranks 34th in three pointers attempted per game (26.6) while Texas Tech ranks 217th (19.2).
- The Red Raiders rank 23rd in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Jayhawks rank 114th (3.8).
- Texas Tech ranks 25th in rebounds allowed per game (31.0) while Kansas ranks 95th (34.1).
Bettings Trends:
- Kansas is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Texas Tech is 2-1 ATS with 2 unders and 1 over.
- The Jayhawks average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.6, down from 20.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Red Raiders have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (2.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 52.0 points per game (6.2 below their season average).
