The Texas Tech Red Raiders will face the MIchigan State Spartans on Saturday at 7:49 P.M. inside U.S. Bank Stadium. The Spartans are coming off a big win against the highly publicized Duke Blue Devils 68-69. As for Tech they beat the Gonzaga Bulldogs 75-69.
Both teams are playing their best basketball and have peaked at the right time. Since February 5th the Red Raiders have the best adjusted offense in the country along with the best defense. As for the Spartans they are 1st in defensive rebounding, assist, and 3rd in blocks.
The keys for Tech to win are, 1st rebound the ball, not only will Tariq Owens and Norense Odiase be key factors, but the team as a whole will have to rebound. Also, Matt Mooney will have the main responsibility of trying to shutdown Big Ten player of the Year, Cassius Winston. Winston averages 18.9 PPG, 7.6 APG, 3 RPG, while shooting 40.4 percent from three. For the Red Raiders to be successful they must keep him out of the lane and from creating opportunities for others.
This matchup will be a huge test for the Red Raiders, but if their big men can stay out of foul trouble and limit the Spartans to one shot most of their possessions, they will be successful. “It’s one of our main points. We know we’re going to have to fight.” Sophomore Guard Jarrett Culver said. We’re not going to get every rebound and we know that but we know we’re going to have to fight each and every side to try to get the rebound. It’s been a big point of emphasis in our practice and in our film. Michigan State is a big rebounding team so we know we’re going to have to be tough on the boards.”
Chris Beard the AP head coach of the year will have his team ready to play, if they focus on the game and not the occasion, they will have a great chance to win this game and advance to their first national championship in program history.
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