After two tough losses, UH’s Big 12 schedule does not let up as Texas Tech comes to town for a Wednesday night game. To scout the Red Raiders, I studied their last three games: against Texas, Oklahoma State, and Kansas State.

the daily #166 | 1/17/2024 | Archives

Texas Tech Overview

Texas Tech (TTU) is another Big 12 opponent who built their team through the transfer portal. They are 3-0 in the Big 12 and continue gelling and growing as a team every time they hit the floor. Grant McCasland is in his first year as head coach, having moved over from the University of North Texas.

The Red Raiders play at a plodding pace for the most part. They run a lot of half-court set plays and are at their best when their quick guards can attack gaps in the defense, get a foot in the paint, and look to score or pass to the opposite corner or wing for an open three.

In my opinion, they are not a great defensive team. They allow too many good looks in the post and give up a ton of open threes. This game could be a much-needed offensive break-out game for UH.

Head of the Snake

Texas Tech has several good options that could be considered the “Head of the Snake.” I love Arizona State transfer Warren Washington’s game; he’s an athletic seven-footer who can score off the drive from the top of the key or in the post. He is also an excellent defender, rebounder, and shot blocker. Pop Isaacs is their leading scorer and a high-energy guy who can score in volume if he gets hot.

But for me, the “Head of the Snake” is Iowa/West Virginia transfer Joe Toussaint. He is the engine for them, offensively and defensively. He averages 14 points per game but also does a phenomenal job of getting paint touches to either score or distribute the ball to open scorers. Toussaint does an excellent job of drawing fouls from whoever is guarding him. It is critical for the UH defenders not to reach on his drive. He is a tremendously pesky defender and will likely guard Jamal in this game.

TTU Offense

75% of their shot attempts are three-point shots or shots at the rim. They don’t settle for many two-point jump shots;
Excellent at driving and kicking to open shooters on the opposite wings and in the opposite corners;
Run a lot of Dribble Hand-Offs (DHOs) to get their guards downhill;
Not a great fast break team (ranked #201 in NCAA in fastbreak points at 9.56 per game);
They do a good job cutting on offense;
#1 in the Big 12 in Free-Throw % at 78%; Ranked #11 in the nation;
Their guards should turn it over vs the UH “blitz” trap on pick and rolls and dribble hand-offs. But they average only 10.6 turnovers per game, which is in the top 50 in the nation.

TTU Defense

In the three games I watched, they only played half-court man-to-man defense.
Tech is ranked #30 nationally in scoring defense, giving up 64.8ppg (UH is still ranked #1 nationally in scoring defense, giving up 51.4ppg.)
TTU gives up a ton of open three-point shots; Bounce-back game for Cryer/Sharp?
Red Raiders struggle vs. the pick-and-roll. Jamal, LJ, Damian, and Emanuel need to get downhill on the pick-and-roll and look to score in the paint or kick to open shooters.
UH guards need to drive baseline and look for cutters in the post. Tech focuses on the driver and gives up open looks to cutters.
Tech is not a great rebounding team. Coogs should be able to own the boards on both ends.