Red Raiders Look to Move Up in Big 12 Standings With Win Against Baylor

The Red Raider’s last game was another home game against the TCU Horned Frogs in a game where it was a tale of two halves. The Red Raiders won the game 82-69 increasing their record at home to 15-0. The Baylor Bears come to town tonight where they are seeking revenge from the last matchup with the Red Raiders.

The last time the Red Raiders played the Bears was on Tuesday (Jan. 11) and it was a close game throughout the whole 40 minutes. Adonis Arms 14 points lead the way to the 65-62 victory beating Baylor in Waco. This game here in Lubbock will look a little different with injuries piling up on both sides. For Texas Tech, Kevin McCullar is a game-time decision due to the high ankle sprain he suffered in the game versus the Horned Frogs. For Baylor, sophomore forward LJ Cryer has been out the past five games with a foot injury and is listed as questionable for the game versus Texas Tech. Junior forward Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua is out for the rest of the season due to the non-contact knee injury he suffered in the game versus Texas. With both sides having injuries, it will be up to both coaches to get the “next man” ready to play.

Leading scorers, behind Cryer, is senior guard James Akinjo who averages 13.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, a team-high 5.7 assists, and a team-high 2.2 steals per game. Akinjo is the engine that runs the half-court offense and the fastbreaks. He shoots the ball at 29.6 percent from the field, 82.4 percent from the free-throw line, and 32.6 percent from three. Right behind Akinjo is junior guard Adam Flagler who averages 13.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Flagler is a little more efficient shooting ball than Akinjo averaging 44.5 percent from the field, 73.0 percent from the free-throw line, and 38.5 percent from three.

The Red Raiders forced 14 turnovers against the Bears, which gave the Red Raiders more half-court possessions to either score points or control the clock. Things the Red Raiders need to improve on from that game will be their efficiency from beyond the arc. The Red Raiders shot 4-14 (28.6 percent) from three in the first game which is not very efficient. If the Red Raiders want to defend home court, they will have to shoot better than 30 percent.

The game is slated to tip-off at 8:00 pm and will be televised on ESPN2.