Former Red Raider McCullar Returns to Lubbock
The return of Kevin McCullar to Lubbock will generate much of the headlines. He isn’t the only headliner, with Kansas’ top scorer, Jalen Wilson, and Texas Tech’s Kevin Obanor also among the top players in the Big 12.
Texas Tech is pushing the ball more than in past seasons. The Red Raiders are seventh in field-goal percentage, and in the top 40 in scoring. Defensively, still pretty strong, as the Red Raiders rank in the top 30 with 9.4 steals per game and in the top 50 in scoring defense. Opponents are shooting just 39.6%, 30.2% on 3-pointers.
Kansas is one of the best passing teams in the country, ranking 12th nationally with 18.2 assists per game, and also in the top 25 with 9.6 steals/per game.
Texas Tech guard D’Maurian Williams missed the last game and he is questionable here. He is averaging 4.6 points (11.3 minutes/game).
Kansas is now No. 3 in both the Associated Press and coaches polls. Texas Tech is unranked but did receive one 25th-place vote in the coach’s poll.
According to the college basketball odds, Kansas (+1600) is sixth (tied) in odds to win the national title. Texas Tech is well back at +8000.
Let’s check the latest march madness odds, stats, injury reports, and march madness lines for Kansas vs Texas Tech.
Remember Me?
It will be interesting to see the reaction former Texas Tech guard Kevin McCullar gets playing in Lubbock as a member of the visiting team.
McCullar started in 49 games over his three seasons at Texas Tech. He was a double-digit scorer in each of his last two. He is averaging career-highs of 11.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per game.
McCullar is coming off a tough outing in Saturday’s narrow escape against Oklahoma St. (seven points, five rebounds, one assist, and five turnovers). He had scored in double figures in each of his last four. McCullar and freshman Gradey Dick are among the newcomers that have Kansas in the top five in the polls, despite losing many of the key players off the team that won the title last season. One key returnee is Jalen Wilson, who recently scored the 1,000th career point.
welcome to the 𝟭,𝟬𝟬𝟬 point club @thejalenwilson 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JZWKtVOPi7
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) January 2, 2023
The Las Vegas odds total has gone over in seven of Kansas’ last 10.
Obanor and New-Look Raiders
With the graduation of Bryson Williams and the transfers of Terrance Shannon Jr. (Illinois) and McCullar (Kansas), the Red Raiders were left to replace three of their top quartet of scorers
Tech had nine players average more than 10 minutes per game a season ago, and the only one still there is Kevin Obanor. He has gone from averaging 10 points per game last season to 15.8 ppg now. Daniel Batcho has also taken on a larger role with the Red Raiders, while Oregon transfer De’Vion Harmon leads the in minutes played per game.
There have been some bumpy moments in the early part of the season, as the newcomers adjust to playing with the returnees. Two of the Tech losses came to ranked teams, another against an Ohio St. team that is currently ranked.
Seven of the last eight Texas Tech games finished under the total set by the sportsbook.
Kansas vs Texas Tech Game Injuries
Kansas vs Texas Tech Head-to-Head
Kansas has won the last two meetings, and six of the last seven. The last time the teams played in Lubbock, it was the Red Raiders emerging with the 75-67 win as seven-point underdogs.
Each of the last three games played at Tech was decided by seven or fewer points (each finished over). Texas Tech has covered four of the last nine games against KU. Ten of the last 10 games between the Jayhawks and Red Raiders finished over.
Kansas vs Texas Tech Game Information
- Game: Kansas (12-1, 1-0 Big 12) vs Texas Tech (10-3, 0-1 Big 12)
- Location: United Supermarkets Arena, Lubbock, TX
- Day/Time: Tuesday, Jan. 3rd, 9 p.m. ET
- Kansas vs Texas Tech Live stream: TBS.com
Take a Look at These Special Articles For This NCAAB Season
- Louisiana St. vs Kentucky Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
- Notre Dame vs Boston College Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
Kansas vs Texas Tech Betting Lines
Kansas vs Texas Tech Picks & Prediction
Texas Tech has had better offensive numbers in general than the defending champions, so the Red Raiders are hoping to can outsho\ot the visitors. Tech dropped 10 of the last 12 games in Lubbock against Kansas.
Kansas is 12-0 this season when listed as the favorite, while Texas Tech is 0-2 when listed as the ‘dog.
Just 10 of the 26 games played by the teams have finished over, with five of the Texas Tech home games going under, too.
Kansas is listed at -120 in our Las Vegas college basketball lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Jayhawks, you have a chance to win $83.33. Texas Tech is +100 (even-money), offering a chance to win $100 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives the Kansas Jayhawks a 54.55% chance to win, with the Red Raiders at 50.00%.
Don’t miss the opportunity to bet on march madness at BetUS Sportsbook and Casino!
Kansas vs Texas Tech Trends
Kansas vs Texas Tech Edge
Kansas vs Texas Tech Results
Kansas vs Texas Tech Game Summary
