Texas Tech vs. Kansas Odds
| Texas Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 134.5 -110o / -110u | +118 |
| Kansas Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 134.5 -110o / -110u | -142 |
The conclusion of the Big 12 Tournament presents a rubber match, but it's not the one that was anticipated prior to the start of the tournament.
The Kansas Jayhawks have looked like a top seed should, as they have rolled through their first two games, winning both by double digits.
On the other hand, the Red Raiders had two very different outcomes on their road here. They blew out the Iowa State Cyclones before being pushed to the brink of elimination by a surging Oklahoma team.
Nonetheless, Texas Tech was able to survive and advance.
Expect TTU to Lean on Williams
Mark Adams and his men have been on a season-long quest to prove that they belong with the country's upper echelon of programs.
They are one win away from perhaps cementing a top-three seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, to get there, they will have to topple the mighty Jayhawks for a second time this season.
The Red Raiders' recipe to success was on clear display during the first two meetings this season. Texas Tech needs to work the ball inside and get its big man Bryson Williams quality looks.
Williams proved to be one of the few big men able to go toe-to-toe with Kansas' David McCormack. Williams posted 22 points in the first meeting and then followed it up with 33-point outing in the second meeting.
Amidst all the rotating injuries to their backcourt, Williams has become the Red Raiders' leader. They will need one more big performance out of him here.
Kansas to Push Pace?
At this point in the season, everyone is well aware how formidable the Texas Tech defense is. However, this matchup is strength against strength, as we'll have the No. 1 defense in terms of adjusted defensive efficiency against the sixth-ranked team in adjusted offensive efficiency.
The Jayhawks have offensive talent all over the floor, but there is no denying how special Ochai Agbaji has been.
The Big 12 Player of the Year has brought it so far this postseason, scoring 18 and 22 points in each of Kansas' first two games. If there's anyone that the Jayhawks need to step up, it's Agbaji.
But how will they get him and the rest of the offense good looks against this Texas Tech defense?
Kansas will be able to create opportunities for itself by pushing the pace and not allowing the Red Raiders to get set in the half-court defensively.
Playing an up-tempo style will also enable the shooters to be open from beyond the arc in transition, which is the one area where Texas Tech has been hurt from this season.
We saw Kansas do this and have great success from the outside in the second meeting, when it squeaked out a three-point win in double overtime. We saw Agbaji light it up from the outside, but his backcourt mate Christian Braun was also able to get in on the action.
Judging by the amount of success the Jayhawks had in that game, I think we see them try to replicate it here.
Texas Tech vs. Kansas Betting Pick
These two teams are set to clash with contrasting styles, and whichever squad can establish the tempo will be at a significant advantage.
However, the Jayhawks are the more athletic team and will be able to get out and run early on. If they have success doing so, it will force the Red Raiders to pick up their pace as well.
So, that's why I see this game flying over the total, as there will be no room for tired legs in the championship game.
