Ranked Texas Tech battles Colorado, defending an elite home record.
With March creeping closer, every game now carries added weight for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Ranked No. 16 nationally, the Red Raiders return to United Supermarkets Arena on Wednesday night to host Colorado Buffaloes, knowing opportunities at home are becoming scarce.
Texas Tech enters the matchup at 17-6 overall and 7-3 in Big 12 play, riding the momentum of a controlled 70-63 road win over West Virginia.
That victory snapped a brief skid and showcased what has become Tech’s formula for success ... ball movement, perimeter shooting, and rebounding dominance. The Red Raiders are a blistering 11-1 at home this season, while Colorado has struggled away from Boulder, posting a 1-5 road record.
The first meeting between these teams was a thriller, too.
Tech escaped Boulder with a 73-71 win behind 17 points from Donovan Atwell, while JT Toppin and LeJuan Watts both recorded double-doubles. Toppin has since elevated his play to another level, leading the Big 12 with 10.5 rebounds per game and ranking third in scoring at 21.8 points. His 14 double-doubles put him on pace to join Blake Griffin as the only Big 12 players to average 20 points and 10 rebounds in a season.
Tech’s shooting remains its strongpoint.
The Red Raiders lead the conference with 11.5 made three-pointers per game and shoot 39.1 percent from deep, numbers that place them among the nation’s elite. Atwell has already knocked down 81 3s, while Christian Anderson leads the Big 12 with 7.7 assists per game.
Colorado arrives in Lubbock fresh off a 78-70 win over Arizona State, led by 23 points from Barrington Hargress.
The Buffaloes are efficient offensively, take care of the ball, and get a league-best 30.2 points per game from their bench.
For Texas Tech, this is about momentum.
With a trip to No. 1 Arizona looming, holding serve at home could shape the rest of the Big 12 race ... and Tech’s March résumé.