The Baylor Bears (16-10, 6-7 Big 12) will attempt to put an end to the seven-game winning streak of Texas Tech when they welcome the No. 7 Red Raiders (22-4, 10-3 Big 12) to Ferrell Center. The games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 132.5 points with Texas Tech set as a 1-point favorite. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 17, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
Texas Tech Red Raiders at Baylor Bears Free Preview
In the Red Raiders last contest, they were victorious over the No. 23 Oklahoma Sooners, 88-78. Keenan Evans was the top scorer from either team with 26 points on 9-for-15 shooting. Texas Tech dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.0 (better than their season average of 16.1) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.4 (below their season average of 32.8). Oklahoma recorded marks of 17.3 and 25.8, respectively, for those same stats.
The Bears will look to maintain momentum after edging the Texas Longhorns in their last matchup, 74-73. Baylor’s Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. was a key piece with 14 points and 11 rebounds. The Bears, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.0, had a ridiculous mark of 44.1 and held the Longhorns to an effective field goal percentage of 0.382 (below their season average of 0.504).
It could be a sloppy game for the Baylor offense. Baylor ranks 218th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.3 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Texas Tech forces the seventh-most turnovers in the nation (23.8 percent). Additionally, the Red Raiders, who rank 43rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.284), will face a difficult test against the Bears, who rank 54th in opponents FTA rate (0.197).
Both teams have had a player trending in the right direction over their last five games. For the Red Raiders, it’s been Evans, who has averaged 24.0 points, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals, while the Bears have gotten great contributions from Manu Lecomte (17.8 points and 4.2 assists).
These teams have already met once this season. The Red Raiders won 77-53. The Red Raiders played a nearly flawless game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 53.6 and a great effective field goal percentage of 0.587. The Bears were 25.0 and 0.402, respectively, for those same stats. Niem Stevenson was a standout player in the game, putting up 11 points and five assists.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Baylor Bears ATS Prediction
Prediction: SU Winner – Texas Tech, ATS Winner – Texas Tech, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Bears rank 30th in rebounds per game (39.1) while the Red Raiders rank 113th (36.2).
- Texas Tech ranks 233rd in three pointers attempted per game (19.4) while Baylor ranks 245th (19.0).
- Texas Tech ranks 19th in steals per game (8.1) while Baylor ranks 206th (5.1).
- The Red Raiders rank eighth in assists allowed per game (9.9) while the Bears rank 181st (14.2).
- Texas Tech ranks 47th in blocks per game (4.3) while Baylor ranks 161st in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
Betting Trends:
- The Bears average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.0, up from 7.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Red Raiders have scored an average of 77.2 points per game (0.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.0 points per game (2.3 above their season average).
