Big 12 foes will collide when the Oklahoma State Cowboys (15-12, 5-9 Big 12) square off with the No. 6 Texas Tech Red Raiders (22-5, 10-4 Big 12) at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Texas Tech opened as a 3.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 140 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys Odds Preview
The Red Raiders lost a tough one against the Baylor Bears in their last game, 59-57. Texas Tech’s Justin Gray had a solid performance, contributing 13 points and eight rebounds. Baylor forced the Red Raiders into a turnover percentage of 23.4 (above their season average of 15.9). Texas Tech, meanwhile, held the Bears to an effective field goal percentage of 0.361 (below their season average of 0.535).
The last time the Cowboys played, they were defeated by the TCU Horned Frogs, 90-70. Kendall Smith was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 7-for-18 shooting. TCU held the Cowboys to an effective field goal percentage of 0.425 (below their season average of 0.505). Oklahoma State, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (12.5 vs. 12.7).
Oklahoma State might struggle to put up points as they clash against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Texas Tech ranks third in defensive efficiency, while the Cowboys rank 129th in offensive efficiency. Also, the Red Raiders are among the NCAA’s best at getting to the line, ranking 44th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.284). The Cowboys, meanhwile, rank 297th at keeping opponents off the charity stripe with an opponents’ FTA rate of 0.279.
Games involving these teams have typically finished under the O/U total. Texas Tech games have gone under 60.9 percent of the time, while 62.5 percent of Oklahoma State games have finished under. The Red Raiders come into this game with much better straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records. They are 22-5 SU and 13-10 ATS, while the Cowboys are 15-12 SU and 10-14 ATS.
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 13.0 points, 1.8 steals and 1.6 blocks, while the Cowboys have received solid contributions from Smith (17.6 points).
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined to score 145 points in that game, which was just over the projected point total of 141. The Red Raiders won 75-70, but were unable to cover as 10-point favorites. The Red Raiders played a nearly perfect game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.404 and a turnover percentage of 18.4. The Cowboys put up marks of 0.241 and 24.3, respectively, for those same stats. Keenan Evans scored a game-high 26 points.
Texas Tech Red Raiders at Oklahoma State Cowboys Odds Prediction
Free Pick: SU Winner – Texas Tech, ATS Winner – Texas Tech, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
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The Red Raiders rank 18th in steals per game (8.0) while the Cowboys rank 132nd in steals allowed per game (6.4).
Oklahoma State averages 4.1 blocks per game, which ranks 63rd in the NCAA. Texas Tech ranks 106th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
Oklahoma State is 5-8 ATS at home, while Texas Tech is 6-5 ATS on the road.
The total has gone under in 7 of the Red Raiders’ 11 road games, while 10 of the Cowboys’ 13 home games have gone under.
Texas Tech ranks 34th in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while Oklahoma State ranks 180th (35.4).
The Cowboys rank 96th in three pointers attempted per game (23.5) while the Red Raiders rank 240th (19.2).
Texas Tech ranks eighth in assists allowed per game (10.0) while Oklahoma State ranks 149th (13.6).
Bettings Trends:
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Oklahoma State is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under in their last five games.
Over their last five games, Texas Tech is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
The Cowboys have been outscored by an average of 6.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Oklahoma State has defeated opponents by an average of 2.9 points.
During their last five games, the Red Raiders have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (2.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.6 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
