Red Raiders Seek Redemption in a Home Battle Versus Oklahoma

The last time the Red Raiders played the Sooners, it was not a pretty shooting night in Norman, Oklahoma. The Red Raiders shot 39.6 percent from the field, but only 11.8 percent from three. On top of the poor shooting performance, the team was outrebounded 34-26 and allowed Oklahoma to shoot 48.9 percent from the field and 46.4 percent from three.

The Sooners are still led by senior forward Tanner Groves who averages 12.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and a team-high 0.5 blocks per game. Groves shooting percentages have improved over the season with shooting stints at 54.9 percent from the field, 73.7 percent from the free-throw line, and 36.5 percent from three. Transfers have played a huge role in Oklahoma’s success this year with senior guard Umoja Gibson transferring from UNT, and senior guard Jordan Goldwire transferring from Duke. Gibson is averaging 12.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Gibson is still the better of the two at shooting with averages at 41.9 percent from the field, 88.7 percent from the free-throw line, and 38.2 percent from three. Goldwire averages 10.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, a team-high 3.4 assists, and a team-high 1.6 steals per game. The Duke transfer shoots the ball at 45.9 percent from the field, 83.3 percent from the free-throw line, and 27.1 percent from three.

The key for the Red Raiders to achieve redemption and keep their home streak alive will come down to two things. Number one is Tech’s big men will have to block out and control the rebounding aspect of the game. In their last game versus the Longhorns, Bryson Williams and Marcus Santos-Silva combined for 14 rebounds, which alone outrebounded Texas’ starting forwards. The second thing that the Red Raiders need to do is limit the efficiency of Oklahoma’s three-ball. Gibson shot 72.7 percent from beyond the arc in the first meeting so keeping him at bay will be crucial.

The game is set to tip-off at 7 pm and will be here in Lubbock at the United Supermarkets Arena and will also be streamed on ESPN via ESPN Plus. Get to the game and get loud as the Red Raiders look to put a close to another successful season. Wreck Em!