#6 Texas Tech vs. #11 Utah St. Odds
| Utah State Odds | +5 |
| Texas Tech Odds | -5 |
| Moneyline | +185 / -225 |
| Over/Under | 132.5 |
| Time | Friday, 1:45 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
| Odds as of Sunday and via BetMGM | |
How Texas Tech & Utah St. Match Up
| All stats via KenPom. | ||
Instant Analysis for TTU-Utah State
Defense reigns supreme in this matchup between the Red Raiders and Aggies.
Texas Tech ranks 24th in adjusted defensive efficiency while Utah State is even better at eighth-best overall, per KenPom.
Both teams are superb on the boards, with the Aggies led by Mountain West Player of the Year big man Neemias Queta (15.1 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.2 BPG). The Red Raiders need a strong offensive effort from guard Mac McClung (15.7 PPG), who is the bellwether of Texas Tech’s offense. As he goes, so do the Red Raiders’ chances.
Texas Tech will be the toughest defensive test the Aggies have faced, but they should find open looks against a Red Raiders defense that allowed Big 12 opponents to make 38.3% of shots from deep, the worst defensive mark in the conference.
This will be a slow, defensive battle, which is in complete contrast from the following matchup against either No. 3 Arkansas or No. 14 Colgate. — Mike Randle
What To Know About Texas Tech
Chris Beard has made Texas Tech a perennial contender in March, and this season is no different. Despite the double-digit losses, the Red Raiders rank 22nd in KenPom’s efficiency rankings while controlling the game at the nation’s 316th-ranked tempo.
Tech is led offensively by Georgetown transfer Mac McClung, who is averaging 15.7 points per game on high-volume shooting. Bettors will have been frustrated by the Red Raiders’ 10-17 mark against the spread, and they lost four of their last seven regular-season games.
Texas Tech has proven, though, that it is a force to be reckoned with in March. Beard is a master in-game adjuster and his no-middle defense could give certain teams fits. Tech has its coach's personality. It will battle relentlessly for 40 minutes and get on the floor for everything.
The perimeter defense is a major question mark, as well as the offense when they aren't getting to the line or grabbing an offensive board. — Matt Trebby
What To Know About Utah St.
When talking Utah State, you have to start with 7-foot center Neemias Queta, a high-major caliber player who will play at the next level. He provides Utah State with one of the fiercest interior defenses in the country.
You're just not going to get anything at the rim against the Aggies. For the season, opponents are shooting only 48.3% at the rim. Only St. Peters and UC Irvine (two other elite interior defenders) have been better. Unless Queta gets in foul trouble, you're going to have to beat the Aggies from the perimeter. Utah State is also one of the best rebounding teams in the country on both ends of the floor.
It's inexperienced at point guard with two freshman but has some interesting wing pieces and is dangerous when Brock Miller is hot from the outside. Queta gives Utah State a chance on both ends for a very well-coached team. — Stuckey
