The No. 8 Texas Tech Red Raiders (15-2, 4-1 Big 12) travel to Baylor to take on the Bears (10-6, 2-2 Big 12) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Baylor Bears ATS Prediction
In the Red Raiders’ last game, they were beaten by the Iowa State Cyclones, 68-64. Iowa State’s 0.228 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Texas Tech, who had a rate of 0.095. The Cyclones’ mark was above their season average of 0.221, while the Red Raiders’ was below their season average of 0.259. Jarrett Culver was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 7-for-21 shooting.
The Bears beat the Oklahoma State Cowboys in their last game, 73-69. The Bears, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.498, had a solid mark of 0.555 and had a better free throw rate (0.218 vs. 0.211). King McClure was the top scorer from either team with 29 points on 9-for-14 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Bears won the most recent contest 59-57. The Bears’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Red Raiders. Baylor had a rate of 15.2, while Texas Tech posted a mark of 23.4.
Points could be at a premium in this matchup between two of the NCAA’s premier defenses. Baylor currently ranks 57th in defensive efficiency (95.2) and Texas Tech is first (80.8).
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Baylor Bears Odds Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Texas Tech, ATS Winner – Baylor, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Baylor ranks 131st in three pointers attempted per game (22.8) while Texas Tech ranks 258th (17.6).
The Red Raiders average 5.4 blocks per game, which ranks 15th in the NCAA. The Bears rank 126th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
Texas Tech ranks third in assists allowed per game (8.9) while Baylor ranks 85th (12.4).
The Red Raiders average 7.4 steals per game, which ranks 62nd in the NCAA. The Bears rank 77th in steals allowed per game (6.1).
Baylor is 34th in the nation with 31.6 rebounds allowed per game while Texas Tech is 46th with 32.2 rebounds allowed per game.
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The Red Raiders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 17.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 75.8 points per game (4.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.2 points per game (4.3 above their season average).
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