The No. 9 Texas Tech men’s basketball team is set to continue its road trip on Tuesday, facing off against Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth. The Red Raiders are riding high after a program-high 38-point road victory on Saturday and will look to build on their momentum against the Horned Frogs.
In their previous matchup this season, the Red Raiders emerged victorious, defeating TCU 71-57 in Lubbock on January 29. However, the Horned Frogs were able to apply significant pressure on the Red Raiders throughout the game, forcing multiple possessions to the end of the shot clock.
Sophomore forward JT Toppin was a standout performer in the previous matchup, recording a double-double. However, he has since taken his game to new heights, averaging 36.5 points and 13.5 rebounds over his past two outings.
TCU will look to counter Toppin’s offensive threat with its stingy defense, which forces the fifth-most turnovers per game in the Big 12. Junior center Ernest Udeh Jr. is a key component of the Horned Frogs’ defensive pressure, ranking near the top of multiple defensive categories in the conference, including steals per game and blocks per game.
Despite TCU’s defensive prowess, the Red Raiders boast the top-scoring offense in the Big 12, averaging 82.4 points per game. Super-senior Chance McMillian and junior Darrion Williams provide additional scoring threats, averaging 15 and 14.9 points per game, respectively.
On the other side of the floor, TCU’s leading scorer, senior guard Noah Reynolds, will look to pose an offensive threat to the Red Raiders. Reynolds averages 12.8 points per game and was the Horned Frogs’ leading scorer in the previous matchup between the two teams.
Tuesday’s game marks the 145th all-time matchup between the two schools, with the Red Raiders leading the series 88-56. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and the Texas Tech Sports Network, with live statistics and coverage available on the Tech Athletics website.
As the Red Raiders look to extend their winning streak, they will need to be mindful of TCU’s defensive pressure and find ways to counter the Horned Frogs’ stingy defense. With their high-powered offense and newfound momentum, the Red Raiders are poised to make a strong push for victory in Fort Worth.
