Texas Longhorns at Texas Tech Red Raiders, United Spirit Arena, Lubbock, TX
Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 7:00 pm Eastern, TV: ESPN2
Opening Line: Texas -8
Current Line: Texas -7
Opening Total: 146 1/2
Current Total: 147 1/2
Money Line: Texas -320 / Texas Tech +260
The Texas Longhorns are 12-3 and ranked number 14 in the country. They are coming off a disappointing loss at home to then #9 UConn 82-81 in overtime. The Longhorns held the Huskies to 38% shooting from the field but were out-rebounded 52-42. they up 24 second chance points, and that was the difference in the game. Texas also has losses to Pitt and USC on the season. Texas has wins over Illinois, North Carolina, Michigan St, and Arkansas this season. The Longhorns open Big 12 play at in-state rival Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are 8-8 on the season and 0-1 in conference play. Texas Tech lost at home to Baylor 71-59 last Saturday in their Big 12 opener. The Red Raiders are very inconsistent. They have losses to North Texas, St. Mary’s (CA), South Florida, Washington, TCU, UTEP, and New Mexico on the season. The best win is probably over Oral Roberts, and the rest of the wins are over cupcakes. Texas has won 4 straight in the series against Texas Tech by an average of 13 points. Texas leads the overall series 72-53. Texas is 7-17 ATS in road games the last 3 seasons and 3-15 ATS against conference foes the last 2 years. Texas Tech is 2-9 ATS in all lined games this year.
The strength of the Texas Longhorns is rebounding. They average 42.9 rebounds a game and have a rebounding margin of +6.8. Against Connecticut the Longhorns got their average for rebounds but couldn’t stop UConn from getting 23 offensive rebounds. The Longhorns have no significant injuries right now. Texas has four players averaging double figure scoring. Junior guard/forward Jordan Hamilton leads the team in scoring with 19.6 points a game. He also averages 7.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists a game. Hamilton shoots 42% from 3-point range. Forward Tristan Thompson averages 12.2 points, 7.9 rebounds to lead the team, 1.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2 blocks a game. Thompson leads the team in steals and blocks. Forward Gary Johnson averages 12.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists a game. Guard Cory Joseph averages 12.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists to lead the team, and 1 steal a game. Texas si outscoring opponents 79-63 on the season. The Longhorns are shooting 44.9% from the field and 36.9% from 3-point range. The Longhorns are holding opponents to 36.5% shooting from the field. The Longhorns are shooting 64.8% from the free throw line. Texas averages 14,5 assists and 12.5 turnovers a game. They force 14.5 turnovers a game on defense. The Longhorns average 5.2 blocks and 6.4 steals a game.
Texas Tech has four players averaging double digit scoring. Forward Mike Singletary averages 13.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.1 steals a game. He is the leading scorer and rebounder for the Raiders. Forward Brad Reese averages 12.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks a game. He leads the team in steals and blocks. Guard John Roberson averages 11.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists to lead the team, and 1.4 steals a game. Guard David Tairu averages 10.5 points, and 2.3 rebounds a game. Texas Tech is outscoring opponents 75-73 on the season. The Red Raiders shoot 45.5% from the field and 34.3% from 3-point range. Texas Tech opponents are shooting 44.7% from the field. Tech shoots 72.8% from the free throw line. The Raiders average 33.9 rebounds a game and have a rebounding margin of -2.4. They average 14.6 assists and 13.1 turnovers a game. Tech forces 14.6 turnovers a game on defense. The Raiders average 6.4 steals and 4.8 blocks a game.
Texas is clearly the superior team here and has owned Texas Tech recently in the rivalry. Texas should roll in this game, and get off to a great start in the Big 12.
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