Can Kansas clinch a share of Big 12 title vs. Texas Tech on Tuesday? Opponent breakdown

After a win against West Virginia on Saturday, the Kansas men’s basketball team will look to extend its winning streak to seven games against Texas Tech on Tuesday at Allen Fieldhouse.

If KU wins, the Jayhawks clinch a share of the Big 12 title.

The two teams last met in January, with the Jayhawks beating the Red Raiders 75-62 in United Supermarkets Arena. KU has won the last three matchups.

Texas Tech comes off an 83-82 loss to TCU on Saturday.

The Red Raiders have a unique defense that poses challenges, plus an athletic forward whom Kansas must keep an eye on.

Below is a scouting report and prediction of the game.

Tuesday’s game: No. 3 Kansas vs. Texas Tech

When/where: 8 p.m., Allen Fieldhouse

TV/Streaming: ESPN

Opponent’s record: 16-13, 5-11 Big 12

KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) Ranking: 51

All statistics are from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and EvanMiya. KenPom stats only include Division I competition.

Texas Tech Team Strengths

• Efficient inside the arc: Texas Tech ranks 54th in two-point percentage (53.6).

• Foul Drawers: The Red Raiders do an excellent job drawing fouls. They rank 60th in free throw rate (36.1%)

• Glass cleaners: Texas Tech ranks 71st in offensive rebounding rate (32%)

Texas Tech Team Weaknesses

• Careless with the ball: Texas Tech ranks 296th in turnovers percentage (20)

• Mediocre at the line: Red Raiders rank 195th in free-throw percentage (71.4)

• New faces: Texas Tech doesn’t have many players from last season. The team ranks 319th in minutes continuity percentage (19.2). Minutes continuity is determined by percentage of a team’s minutes played by the same players from season to season.

Texas Tech Name to Know

6-foot-8 junior forward Kevin Obanor (No. 0)

+ Solid shooter (shoots 34.2% from three)

+ Great rebounder (6.5 rebounds per game)

- Bad passer ( 2.3 assists per game)

- Turnover prone (2 turnovers per game)

Tale of the Tape

The Red Raiders do an excellent job putting pressure on teams and forcing turnovers. Here, guard Elijah Fisher stuck his hand out, stole the TCU pass and converted the bucket. Kansas needs to limit its turnovers and protect the paint because the rim is the first option for Texas Tech in transition.

The Red Raiders are lethal at finding quality shots inside the arc. Here forward Fardaws Aimaq drew two Oklahoma defenders, found a cutting Obanor and passed him the ball. Obanor then promptly dunked it. KU needs to keep track of cutters against Texas Tech and limit paint touches for a Red Raiders team that primarily scores inside the arc.

Game Prediction

KU comes into the game with six straight wins, including a close 76-74 victory over West Virginia on Saturday. The No. 3 Jayhawks (24-5, 12-4 Big 12) are in first place in the conference and can clinch a share of the league title with a victory, so this is a must-win for Kansas.

The key matchup for this game is KU’s offense vs. Texas Tech’s famed “no middle defense.” The defense keeps ball handlers away from the middle of the court, funneling them to the sidelines and preventing easy looks at the rim.

Kansas did an excellent job of not turning the ball over last time, ultimately leading to a win. If KU can limit turnovers, it puts the Red Raiders in a tough spot because their offense doesn’t have the firepower to consistently score on one of the best defenses in the nation.

Between what’s at stake here, the talent disparity and the Jayhawks playing at home, it’s really hard to see KU not winning this one. So, give me Kansas with the win and walking out with a share of the Big 12 title.

Kansas 76, Texas Tech 67

Shreyas’ pick to cover the spread: Texas Tech (+9.5)

Shreyas’ season record: 12-7

Shreyas’ record against the spread: 11-8

KU Player to watch: Jalen Wilson

It’s senior night and Kansas star Jalen Wilson isn’t coming back next year, so look for him to make one last splash at Allen Fieldhouse.

Last time against the Red Raiders, Wilson scored 16 points on 6-for-16 shooting, but he and the Jayhawks have hit their groove lately. Look for Wilson to bounce back with a big game and truly showcase why he’s such a fan favorite..

If Wilson plays to his usual standard on offense and plays solid defense, KU should come away with a victory.