Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Looks To Get On Track Versus TCU
January 16, 2015 | Men's Basketball
Despite the recent youth movement, it was senior Robert Turner who stepped up last time out for the Red Raiders.
January 16, 2014
LUBBOCK, Texas -- Some things seem to stand as standards, moreover fixtures in time that we place memories against. For three quarters of a century one of those standards has been playing TCU in basketball.
Texas Tech will meet TCU for the 124th time on Saturday at 3 p.m. CT at the United Supermarkets Arena. After Saturday's meeting, the series will be tied for the third most played series in program history. The Red Raiders have only faced Texas and Baylor more.
Despite winning four straight in the series and eight of the last 11, the 2015 edition of the Horned Frogs is new and improved.
"They have done a good job of recruiting and they have some really strong players, especially the guards," said sophomore guard Randy Onwuasor. "TCU is so much better than they have been."
Both Texas Tech and TCU will be in search of their first Big 12 win of the season. The Horned Frogs jumped out to a 13-0 start and into the Top 25 to start the season, while the Red Raiders began the season 9-1, before struggling in late December and early January.
"What you have is two teams looking to pick up that first Big 12 win of the season," said Red Raider head coach Tubby Smith. "Trent Johnson has done a great job of getting that program back on track. You have to respect what he has done and what the program has become."
One thing is for sure, you can expect the Red Raiders and Horned Frogs get to the free throw line. Texas Tech ranks third in free throw rate, while TCU is sixth. A slightly obscure stat, the free throw rate tracks the number of free throw attempts per possession. Texas Tech enters the game .518 times per possession, while TCU is at .503 times per possession.
"One of the things we have to improve on from last time out was driving to the basket and not being afraid of contact," added Smith. "Year we made eight of eight, but we average over 20 free throw attempts per game. That is definitely something we have addressed."
One thing that TCU has done well this season is shoot the ball, the Horned Frogs are second in the league in field goal percentage. Conversely, the Frogs led the league in field goal percentage defense.
"They do a great job of shooting the ball, especially Kyan Anderson," added Smith. "But they also do a great job of denying on defense. We have our hands full.
"We are looking forward to students being back on campus. When we get a great student crowd it really makes a difference and we tried to let them know that today.
Smith provided lunches to over 200 students at the Student Union Building today from noon to 1 p.m. The 24-year veteran coach invited everyone to be a part of the action on Saturday and the rest of the season.
"I cannot think how many times that having a great crowd on hand made a difference last season at United Supermarkets Arena," said Smith. "We just want to continue to create that culture of support this season and in the future. Our sixth man plays a big role in our success."
Leading the way for the Red Raiders is junior Devaugntah Williams, who is averaging 11.1 points per game, while Robert Turner ads 9.2 points per outing.
Last time out, Smith created a youth movement becoming the first head coach this season to start four freshmen and a sophomore in one game.
"It was not about putting four freshmen out there, it was a bout putting the five players with the highest efficiency ratings on the floor," said Smith.
One of those freshmen, Zach Smith, recorded a career best five blocks against Kansas State, with one reaching ESPN's Top 10 countdown. The Plano native has 29 blocks on the season and is now just eight blocks away from breaking the freshman record of 37 set during the 1989-90 season by the great Will Flemons. Smith is on pace to record the fourth most blocks in school history at 57.
