Conference: Big 12
Record: 7-0
Pomeroy Rankings: 47th Overall, 115st Offense, 24th Defense
Best Win: 64-60 vs.Oregon State
Coach: Pat Knight, 25-26, 3rd season
Key Players:
Mike Singletary: 6-6 Junior Forward: 13.6 PPG, 60.4 TS%, 5.4 RPG, 2.1 APG
John Roberson: 5-11 Junior Guard: 10.9 PPG, 4.9 APG
D'walyn Roberts: 6-7 Sophomore Forward: 9.7 PPG, 140.4 ORating, 71.7 TS%, 6.3 RPG, 1.4 BPG
Darko Cohadarevic: 6-9 Senior Forward: 9.3 PPG, 6 RPG, 15.6 OR%
Scouting Texas Tech:
Easily the best team the Huskies have matched up against this year, Texas Tech is a team that has yet to show a real weakness yet. There's not really anything that they do at a level that's below average. They are only average at preventing teams from getting offensive rebounds, and on the other end are only average at collecting offensive rebounds. They force a lot of turnovers on defense with their stout man to man. They're a team with a lot of front line size, with 3 players who are 6-9 or better. Their offense is a bit lackluster, and they play at a pretty good pace, with their adjusted tempo clocking in at 71.7.
How to Beat Them:
On the road the Huskies aren't likely to get some of the calls they've been used to in Hec Ed, so capitalizing on opportunities will be critical. Isaiah Thomas and Quincy Pondexter cannot come out and score just two points combined in the first half as they did against Montana and expect to still be in this one. The primary goal for tonight should be to attack the rim on offense, both for the first shot as well as the offensive rebounds. Working inside out will be key, and once the Dawgs hit some close shots and get comfortable, the perimeter shots will follow.
Prediction:
Compared to Texas Tech, Washington's schedule has been a gauntlet. UW has played 4 teams ranked in Kenpom's top 60, while Texas Tech's top opponenet has been Texas A&M Corpus Christi (86). The Huskies seem to be more "big game ready" in that respect, but Texas Tech has the home court advantage. So far this year the Huskies have torn apart man defenses, but they haven't played a team who plays man as stoutly as the Red Raiders. This is the Huskies first chance to showcase themselves on a national stage, and style points will count in impressing the tournament committee. Expect a very good game with the Huskies talent edge ultimately prevailing.
Huskies win: 87-80
Vegas: UW -3
Viewing: 4:00 ESPN2, United Spirit Arena, Lubbock TX