Texas Tech’s perfect home streak faces its toughest test: a high-powered Oklahoma State offense. Can the Red Raiders silence the scorers?
No. 15 Texas Tech is back in Lubbock with a perfect home record, and Saturday's matchup brings a real measuring stick: a high-octane Oklahoma State team that's been piling up points and wins, but hasn’t played a true road game yet.
The Red Raiders (10-3) have defended United Supermarkets Arena, going 7-0 at home and showing they can beat quality teams with a 9-3 record against opponents above .500.
Now they get an Oklahoma State squad (12-1) that's been living fast offensively, averaging 91.2 points per game and outscoring opponents by nearly 13 a night.
Something's gotta give.
Tech has been efficient all season, shooting 47.1 percent from the field - a number that's notably higher than the 42 percent that Oklahoma State typically allows.
If the Red Raiders get clean looks early, they can force the Cowboys to defend in the half-court, which is the fastest way to make a track meet feel like quicksand.
Oklahoma State, meanwhile, brings perimeter volume, averaging 7.5 made threes per game, slightly above what Texas Tech usually gives up. If the Cowboys start splashing early, Tech can’t afford a slow start - because this group loves to turn a hot first six minutes into a 15-point problem.
If you're looking for where Tech can tilt this game, start with JT Toppin, who's putting up 21 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. If Toppin owns the glass and protects the rim, Oklahoma State's rhythm can take a hit.
And keep an eye on Christian Anderson, who's been on a heater lately with 20.8 points and 6.1 assists over the last 10 games. If Anderson is creating advantages, Tech can punish switches and get the Cowboys rotating, which opens up everything.
The Cowboys are rolling after a 103-77 win over Bethune-Cookman, led by Anthony Roy’s 27 points. He's averaging 17.3 points over his last 10, and he’s not alone as Parsa Fallah has been steady at 13 points and 6.2 rebounds.
The bigger story, though? Oklahoma State's overall form: 9-1 in its last 10, scoring 91 per game on 50.5 percent shooting. That's elite-level efficiency.
This is Oklahoma State's first true road game, and Lubbock isn't a gentle introduction.
If Tech makes it physical, wins early possessions, and turns the game into a half-court fight, the Red Raiders can drag the Cowboys out of their comfort zone.
Tech's undefeated at home. OSU's offense is loud. Let's see who gets muted.