Texas Tech looks to Bounce Back Against Louisville

The Red Raiders fought valiantly against Top-10 Creighton yesterday but came up just short as the Bluejays became unconscious from behind the arc in the second half. Today, Texas Tech faces Louisville, a team coming off of a blowout loss to Arkansas and a team still searching for its first win of the season.

Game Info:

Where: Lahaina Civic Center (Lahaina, Maui)

When: 1:30 CST

TV: ESPN2

Odds: Texas Tech -13.5, O/U: 130

About Louisville:

Stats:

Kenpom: 138th

T-Rank: 153rd

AdjO: 174th

AdjD: 107th

Tempo: 212th

Three Players to Watch

El Ellis – Guard

This entire offense runs through Ellis. He is their leading scorer and best overall player on the floor. The 6’3″ guard averages 20.8 points per ball game and is also dishing out three assists per game. He is also a good outside shooter with a 37.5% clip on the season from three-point range. Shutting Ellis down is a huge key to victory for the Red Raiders today.

Jae’Lyn Withers – Forward

Withers is their top interior option, but he can score at all three levels. Averaging 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2 steals per ball game, Withers is their best defensive player and will most likely match up against Kevin Obanor.

Brandon Huntley-Hatsfield – Forward

Huntley-Hatsfield is their best interior defender and will match up with Daniel Batcho. The 6’10” transfer out of Tennessee has averaged 8 points and 7 rebounds per ball game. He’s adept at boxing out and rebounding as well as scoring inside.

Keys to Victory for Texas Tech

Stop El Ellis

Ellis is the motor that makes this offense go. Without him, Louisville lacks a true scoring option. Most of their offense is designed to get Ellis open driving lanes and open shots outside. If De’Vion Harmon comes out on fire defensively, expect Texas Tech to be in a great position to win.

Attack the Rim

Louisville does not have good rim defense. Opponents are shooting over 60% in the paint against them. A ton of that is youth, but watching film from yesterday, it’s clear that their bigs seem to be a step slow on defense.

Chase off the Three Point Line

One positive thing I saw from Louisville yesterday was their ability to get open looks and catches from behind the arc. They set a good amount of high ball screens and enjoy using those to get open looks. If Tech can force them to go inside the arc the majority of the time, the Red Raiders will be in great position to win.

Predictions:

Daniel Batcho and Kevin Obanor both score over 15 points in this game with one of them reaching 20.

Texas Tech 75

Louisville 60