The Texas Tech Red Raiders (16-5, 5-3 Big12) are visiting the Baylor Bears (16-5, 5-3) for control of an important distinction. Both sides are looking to lay claim to being the best 2023-2024 team in Texas. While there will be a guaranteed matchup in Lubbock later in the year, piling wins up now matters more than ever.
Especially as the Big 12 is possibly the strongest conference in the nation. It becomes all the more important to win games against teams who are identical to you in records. A letdown performance may cause you to play a team in the conference tournament that you would have rather avoided early on.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Baylor Bears Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Texas Tech Red Raiders | +6 -112 |
O145 -110 |
+205 |
| Baylor Bears | -6 -108 |
U145 -110 |
-250 |
| **Odds Courtesy Of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: Texas Tech Red Raiders @ Baylor Bears
Date And Time: February 6, 2024 @ 9:00 p.m. EST
Location: Foster Pavilion in Waco, Texas
Key Stats
Texas Tech Red Raiders (Averages)
Points: 77.0
Points Allowed: 68.4
Field Goal Efficiency: 26.6/57.4 for 46.3%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 8.8/23.4 for 37.5%
Free Throw Efficiency: 15.0/19.4 for 77.6%
Rebounds: 10.1 Offensive, 24.8 Defensive, 34.9 Combined
Assists: 15.1
Steals: 6.0
Blocks: 3.0
Turnovers: 10.6
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 25.3/59.4 for 42.6%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 8.1/23.8 for 34.3
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 9.7/14.1 for 68.6%
Rebounds Against: 11.2 Offensive, 22.3 Defensive, 33.5 Combined
The Texas Tech Red Raiders have been consistent throughout the year. Although it is college basketball, and off nights will occur, overall this team has been able to be competitive in most games. Additionally, even though they are 2-3 on the road they have often looked good enough, where a road win would not be all too surprising. However, they will face a tough challenge in the Baylor Bears.
.@RJGetBuckets is a different breed 😳 pic.twitter.com/MnAHDajN16
— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) February 4, 2024
But they will be well-equipped to handle the environment inside of Foster Pavillion. Joe Toussaint leads the way with a little over four assists a game while playing around 32 minutes. While that may not appear good at first, he serves as more of a combo guard. Depending on what the defense gives him, he’ll look to take advantage. Also, Richard ‘Pop’ Isaacs leads the offense in scoring at 17.6 a game. These two will be a handful and will look to lead from in front for the Texas Red Raiders.
Baylor Bears
Points: 84.0
Points Allowed: 70.8
Field Goal Efficiency: 29.3/59.7 for 49.2%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 9.0/ 22.0 for 40.8%
Free Throw Efficiency: 16.3/22.5 for 72.5%
Rebounds: 12.2 Offensive, 23.6 Defensive, 35.8 Combined
Assists: 15.9
Steals: 6.7
Blocks: 3.6
Turnovers: 11.9
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 22.5/57.8 for 44.8%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 6.6/19.8 for 33.2%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 12.4/17.5 for 70.9%
Rebounds Against: 9.8 Offensive, 20.2Defensive, 30.0 Combined
The Baylor Bears are near the top of this conference for a reason! They can score the basketball, and when they get going, they can score it in bunches! However, five out of their last six games have been determined by four points or less. Additionally, they just went down to the wire against Iowa State. They also played TCU in overtime nine days ago with UCF sandwiched in between, Regardless of how you look at it, that is a grueling and draining schedule for this time of the year.
JAYDEN NUNN FOR THE WIN#SicEm | #CultureofJOY pic.twitter.com/aMOcfebZYX
— Baylor Men’s Basketball (@BaylorMBB) February 4, 2024
However, they are led in scoring by Ja’Kobe Walter. They also have Toledo transfer, RayJ Dennis to lean on, as this team is carrying heavy minutes. Regardless, don’t be surprised if the bench is forced to play more than what they are used to against this Texas Red Raiders squad.
Game Prediction
Ultimately, I think this will come down to a couple of other key factors, not even including the schedule factor of the Baylor Bears. In general, they give up more second-chance opportunities and possessions to the opposing team than Texas Tech does. Especially against the high-caliber guards of the visitors, this could spell trouble in a hurry!
Furthermore, if the game comes down to the wire, the Texas Tech Raiders have the edge at the free throw line. This is why I think taking the Red Raiders at +6 is a no-brainer! Although, I think they will keep it close, it’s too risky to pick them to get an upset win on the road. Also, it’s hard to see how both of these teams don’t do their part to pitch in at least 73 points each. Especially, with the number of extra possessions, the over looks to be a certainty.
Final Pick
Over 145 and Texas Tech Red Raiders +6
