No. 8 West Virginia faces No. 9 Texas Tech in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament on Wednesday evening. The Mountaineers and Red Raiders split their two games played this season.
- WVU won the first meeting 76-61, while Tech won the second meeting, 78-72
- WVU and Texas Tech open the Big 12 Tournament, being the first game played of the entire tournament
- The winner of this game faces No. 1 Kansas in the quarterfinals
By The Numbers
In their two games against Texas Tech this season, WVU has attempted 35 and 28 three-pointers in each game, respectively. Texas Tech’s defense has allowed the most three-pointers made in the Big 12, however their opponent three-point percentage is third-best in the Big 12 at 33 percent.
Conversely, West Virginia is third in the Big 12 in three-point percentage, making 35.2 percent of their three-pointers this season. West Virginia must make their three-pointers against the Red Raiders to give themselves a chance to win. 55.8 percent of WVU’s shots in their two games against Texas Tech have come from deep. You will rely on them, it’s just a matter of if you make them or not.
WVU dominated the boards in the first matchup, 44-27. West Virginia also had 15 second-chance points. In the second game, the Mountaineers got out-rebounded 39-28 and only had eight second-chance points.
Tournament Implications
West Virginia is more or less in the NCAA Tournament. Texas Tech though will probably at least have to make it to Saturday to have a chance at hearing their name called on Sunday. Texas Tech has to win, West Virginia does not.
Coaching Controversy
Texas Tech head coach Mark Adams will not be at the end of the bench for the Red Raiders tonight. He was suspended by the university following an incident with a player from earlier this week.
Last Meeting — Texas Tech beat West Virginia in Morgantown, 78-72 on Feb. 18.
History — WVU leads the all-time series, 17-9
Betting — WVU is a 3.5-point favorite, and the total number of points is set at 145.5
TV — ESPNU
Where — T-Mobile Center: Kansas City, Missouri
When — 7:00 p.m. EST
