Texas Tech Men’s Basketball Faces First Big 12 Road Test

The Texas Tech men's basketball team will start a stretch on Wednesday January 6th where 5 of the next 7 games will be against Top 25 teams. The gauntlet starts against it's first true road game of the year against No.13 Iowa State at the Hilton Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 8:05 pm.

The Red Raiders have piled up 10 straight wins and is receiving votes in both polls for the 2nd consecutive week. After opening Big 12 play with a win against Texas, Tech looks to start 2-0 for the first time since the 2006-07 season.

The Red Raiders balanced scoring attack and efficient free throw shooting have contributed to the hot start. Tech also ranks in the Top 4 in the Big 12 in 5 separate categories including a 3rd place rank in defensive rebounds.

“You prepare as best you can, and you practice the same way whether you’re on the road or playing at home,” Texas Tech head coach Tubby Smith said. “It’s a majority factor, it’s an experience factor and it’s a matter of can you stay within your game plan. That’s usually the challenges you face when you’re on the road along with the crowd which can make communicating a problem. We have a real team atmosphere, and that helps. You’re going to have up-and-downs, and you’re going to have peaks-and-valleys. You have to sure that you maintain your focus. You can’t too excited if you’re ahead, and you can’t get took low when you’re behind. I’m anxious to see how our players respond.”

Iowa State (11-2, 0-1 Big 12) is coming off a hard-fought 87-83 setback at No. 3 Oklahoma on Saturday. Iowa State has beaten 5 Power 5 schools this season with it's signature win coming against No. 22 Cincinnati.

Texas Tech was able to beat Iowa State in Lubbock last year in a major upset and look to repeat this season in Iowa. The Red Raiders tucked away a 78-73 decision over then No. 9 Iowa State on Jan. 24. Tech drained 11 three-pointers which included eight treys courtesy of Toddrick Gotcher and Devaugntah Williams who combined for 39 points.

“We have a veteran backcourt, and I think our players are developing the right way on and off the basketball court” Smith said. “Toddrick and Devaugntah are guys that are giving us solid minutes. They’re strong and physical players. I don’t think they’ll be intimidated by their opponents. A guy like Keenan is playing well, and he’s taking care of the basketball. We also have guys we can go on the inside. If we can get the ball to guys like Norense and Zach and do what we did against Texas, our chances to play well will be good.”

The Cyclones are one of the nation’s most efficient and balanced scoring teams. Iowa State is second in the Big 12 and seventh nationally en route to a 50.9 percent shooting clip. They are one of two Top 25 programs to have six players averaging over 12.0 points per game, the other is North Carolina.

The MVP for the cyclones is Georges Niang. Niang has piled up 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He's an all around player and one of four players to be among the Big 12’s Top 10 in points and rebounds.

Monte Morris and Jamel McKay are also solid contributors.

“We know we have a tough task tomorrow as we face an Iowa State team,” Smith said in his weekly press conference, “Georges Niang is one of the most versatile players in the country not just in the Big 12. They have a great shot blocker in Jamel McKay and another physical player on the interior with Donte Burton. Matt Thomas is a player who can shoot the lights out. When you have six players averaging in double figures like they do, there’s nobody that you can focus in on. They’re all going to warrant attention.”

Source: texastech.com