Saturday, November 18
Uncasville, Conn.
11:00 AM
Texas Tech Athletics
vs
Boston College
Red Raider Preview: Boston College
November 17, 2017 | Men's Basketball
Texas Tech will be looking for the program’s first 3-0 start since the 2012-13 season.
UNCASVILLE, Conn. – The Texas Tech men's basketball team faces its first test away from the United Supermarkets Arena when the Red Raiders square off with Boston College during semifinal Saturday of the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Tipoff Tournament at the Mohegan Sun Arena.
Tipoff is on-tap for 11 a.m. CT, and the game will be carried online only courtesy of the Watch ESPN app. John Brickley and Chris Spatola will serve as the announcing team. Sunday's championship/consolation action will be against either La Salle or No. 20 Northwestern and televised by ESPN2.
The Texas Tech Sports Network will carry the game live on its flagship stations 100.7 FM The Score and AM 950 in Lubbock. Geoff Haxton will have the call. The radio broadcast also will be available on the Texas Tech Sports Network radio affiliates, online at www.TexasTech.com and the Tune-In Radio app. Fans can interact live with Saturday's broadcast by following @GunsUpRadio on Twitter.
"It's a great opportunity for us for so many reasons with it being the first road trip of the season and playing a neutral site against some really good quality opponents," Texas Tech head coach Chris Beard said. "Beginning with Boston College, who we have a lot of respect for, I think they're really well coached. They've got three or four players on their roster that are worthy of All-ACC recognition and probably a couple of guys that will play at the next level."
The Red Raiders (2-0) defeated South Alabama (75-50) and Maine (83-44) during the tournament's regional action to start the season. Texas Tech's combined 64-point margin of victory through its first two games is the fourth-best in program history and best since a 71-point spread versus Davidson and Massachusetts during the 2003-04 season.
Saturday's meeting with Boston College (3-0) is the fourth in the series between the two programs on a neutral court. Texas Tech won an 84-78 decision at the Gator Bowl Classic in 1981-82, but the Golden Eagles have emerged with the last two matchups at the 1985 and 2007 NCAA Tournament First Round.
The Red Raiders have tallied a 7-21 record versus the 15 current members of the ACC. Texas Tech's last victory over an ACC opponent was an 80-72 win over Georgia Tech in the 2003 NIT Quarterfinals. Andre Emmett, a former All-American and the program's all-time leading scorer, poured in 29 points.
The program's most notable win over an ACC foe was a 92-73 triumph over North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament Second Round. Jason Sasser was one of five Red Raiders to amass double figures. He pumped in 27 points on a 10-of-13 shooting clip. He was joined by Cory Carr (19 PTS), Tony Battie (16 PTS, 14 REB), Darvin Ham (14 PTS) and Koy Smith (13 PTS). Ham provided one of the program's signature moment when he broke the backboard on a dunk with 12 minutes left in the first half.
ABOUT TEXAS TECH
The Red Raiders have been among the nation's elite on the defensive end during their first two games. Texas Tech has held opponents to 47.0 points and a 27.2 field goal percentage. The two marks check in at second and third place on the national leaderboard.
Keenan Evans has picked up 12.0 points, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He has reeled off 22 straight games in double figures, the longest streak for a Red Raider since Rayford Young's 23-game run during the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons. Evans continues her pursuit of 1,000 career points and heads into the weekend's action 38 points away.
Zhaire Smith has stuffed the stats sheet with 12.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 blocks per game. He has hit on nine of his first 11 field goal attempts and is the program's first true freshman to notch double figures over his first two games since Norense Odiase during the 2014-15 season.
Texas Tech's interior play has been ignited by Tommy Hamilton IV's 9.5 points and Odiase's 7.0 points per game. The duo has combined to knock down 13-of-21 from the floor.
Davide Moretti has come away with 7.5 points and 2.5 assists per game. Moretti has tallied 12 of his 15 points on the season in the second half. Niem Stevenson has worked his way to 7.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and reached double figures in nine of his last 14 games.
Jarrett Culver and Brandone Francis have managed 6.5 points and 5.5 points per game. Culver reached double digits for the first time with 11 points against Maine.
Zach Smith, an All-Big 12 Preseason First Team pick and Karl Malone Watch List candidate, will look to find his offensive rhythm after being limited to four points in his first two appearances. He has been able to contribute in other ways with 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 blocks and 2.0 steals per game.
"We've been very fortunate that we have been able to get our young guys some playing time during the first two games as well as the three scrimmage exhibition settings," Beard said. "I continue to be impressed with how hard they play and how coachable they are. They're making plays, and I tell those guys all the time 'Don't be afraid to make plays'. To get on the floor as a young player at this level means you have got to help the team. You have to be a low mistake player, and I have so much confidence in these freshman that I want them playing really aggressive too."
ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE
The Eagles have been just as impressive during their opening three games fueled by convincing home victories over Maine (85-65), South Carolina State (91-52) and Sacred Heart (73-53). Boston College is led by fourth-year coach Jim Christian who has won three of his previous four meetings against the Red Raiders when he served as TCU's head coach from 2008-12.
Ky Bowman, an All-ACC Freshman Team pick last season, has posted a team-leading 14.0 points and 5.3 assists per game. He was one of three freshmen nationally with a trio of 30-point outings and upped his averages to 21.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in seven games versus ranked opponents last season.
Deontae Hawkins has made an instant impact with 13.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. The graduate transfer from Illinois State was an All-Missouri Valley Second-Team selection and the MVC's Most Improved Player last season. He is coming off a 22-point and 8-rebound performance during the Sacred Heart game.
Boston College's top bench performer has been Steffon Mitchell. The 6-8 freshman has tucked away 12.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game. He has connected on 11 of his 15 shot attempts. The Eagles also have received 10.3 points per game apiece from Jordan Chatman and Jerome Robinson. Robinson was All-ACC Honorable Mention last season and has started all 59 games of his career.
UP NEXT
Texas Tech returns home to face Wofford on Wednesday followed by Savannah State on Saturday as part of Thanksgiving Week. Wednesday's contest tips at 5:30 p.m. CT and is the second game of a doubleheader with the Lady Raiders who face UMass-Lowell at 3 p.m. CT.
Tickets to either Wednesday's or Saturday's games can be purchased for as low as $10 online at www.TexasTech.com or in person at the United Supermarkets Arena Box Office which opens 90 minutes prior to tipoff.
Fans are reminded that the S1 Parking Lot at the John Walker Soccer Complex which is located at 3901 10th Street is the lone free parking lot for all fans which includes ADA parking for all men's basketball games. A free shuttle service begins 75 minutes prior to tipoff and runs up to 60 minutes following the game to transport fans to and from the United Supermarkets Arena. Buses also are ADA accessible. There is no longer free parking available in the West Lot across from the United Supermarkets Arena.
Traffic patterns around the United Supermarkets Arena have changed for the 2017-18 season. All patrons with North Lot passes must enter their lot from the Main and Flint intersection. All fans with South Lot passes must enter their lot from the 18th and Flint intersection. All West Lot pass holders must enter their lot at the Texas Tech Parkway and Knoxville Avenue intersection. All vehicles will be blocked from entering Indiana Avenue off of the Texas Tech Parkway.
Fans are reminded to go clear at all Texas Tech basketball games. The clear bag policy provides a safer atmosphere and speeds up the entry process into the United Supermarkets Arena.
Season tickets are on-sale and features the affordable Red Raider Sports Pass at $99. Season tickets can be purchased in person at the Texas Tech Athletics Ticket Office located on the East Side of Jones AT&T Stadium, online at www.TexasTech.com or over the phone at (806) 742-8324 (TECH). Single-game tickets for nonconference games and Big 12 mini-plan ticket information also has been announced by the Texas Tech Athletics Ticket Office.
Visit www.TexasTech.com for the latest news and information on the men's basketball program. Fans also can follow the program on its social media outlets by liking TexasTechMBB on Facebook along with following @TexasTechMBB on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
Tipoff is on-tap for 11 a.m. CT, and the game will be carried online only courtesy of the Watch ESPN app. John Brickley and Chris Spatola will serve as the announcing team. Sunday's championship/consolation action will be against either La Salle or No. 20 Northwestern and televised by ESPN2.
The Texas Tech Sports Network will carry the game live on its flagship stations 100.7 FM The Score and AM 950 in Lubbock. Geoff Haxton will have the call. The radio broadcast also will be available on the Texas Tech Sports Network radio affiliates, online at www.TexasTech.com and the Tune-In Radio app. Fans can interact live with Saturday's broadcast by following @GunsUpRadio on Twitter.
"It's a great opportunity for us for so many reasons with it being the first road trip of the season and playing a neutral site against some really good quality opponents," Texas Tech head coach Chris Beard said. "Beginning with Boston College, who we have a lot of respect for, I think they're really well coached. They've got three or four players on their roster that are worthy of All-ACC recognition and probably a couple of guys that will play at the next level."
The Red Raiders (2-0) defeated South Alabama (75-50) and Maine (83-44) during the tournament's regional action to start the season. Texas Tech's combined 64-point margin of victory through its first two games is the fourth-best in program history and best since a 71-point spread versus Davidson and Massachusetts during the 2003-04 season.
Saturday's meeting with Boston College (3-0) is the fourth in the series between the two programs on a neutral court. Texas Tech won an 84-78 decision at the Gator Bowl Classic in 1981-82, but the Golden Eagles have emerged with the last two matchups at the 1985 and 2007 NCAA Tournament First Round.
The Red Raiders have tallied a 7-21 record versus the 15 current members of the ACC. Texas Tech's last victory over an ACC opponent was an 80-72 win over Georgia Tech in the 2003 NIT Quarterfinals. Andre Emmett, a former All-American and the program's all-time leading scorer, poured in 29 points.
The program's most notable win over an ACC foe was a 92-73 triumph over North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament Second Round. Jason Sasser was one of five Red Raiders to amass double figures. He pumped in 27 points on a 10-of-13 shooting clip. He was joined by Cory Carr (19 PTS), Tony Battie (16 PTS, 14 REB), Darvin Ham (14 PTS) and Koy Smith (13 PTS). Ham provided one of the program's signature moment when he broke the backboard on a dunk with 12 minutes left in the first half.
ABOUT TEXAS TECH
The Red Raiders have been among the nation's elite on the defensive end during their first two games. Texas Tech has held opponents to 47.0 points and a 27.2 field goal percentage. The two marks check in at second and third place on the national leaderboard.
Keenan Evans has picked up 12.0 points, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He has reeled off 22 straight games in double figures, the longest streak for a Red Raider since Rayford Young's 23-game run during the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons. Evans continues her pursuit of 1,000 career points and heads into the weekend's action 38 points away.
Zhaire Smith has stuffed the stats sheet with 12.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 blocks per game. He has hit on nine of his first 11 field goal attempts and is the program's first true freshman to notch double figures over his first two games since Norense Odiase during the 2014-15 season.
Texas Tech's interior play has been ignited by Tommy Hamilton IV's 9.5 points and Odiase's 7.0 points per game. The duo has combined to knock down 13-of-21 from the floor.
Davide Moretti has come away with 7.5 points and 2.5 assists per game. Moretti has tallied 12 of his 15 points on the season in the second half. Niem Stevenson has worked his way to 7.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and reached double figures in nine of his last 14 games.
Jarrett Culver and Brandone Francis have managed 6.5 points and 5.5 points per game. Culver reached double digits for the first time with 11 points against Maine.
Zach Smith, an All-Big 12 Preseason First Team pick and Karl Malone Watch List candidate, will look to find his offensive rhythm after being limited to four points in his first two appearances. He has been able to contribute in other ways with 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 blocks and 2.0 steals per game.
"We've been very fortunate that we have been able to get our young guys some playing time during the first two games as well as the three scrimmage exhibition settings," Beard said. "I continue to be impressed with how hard they play and how coachable they are. They're making plays, and I tell those guys all the time 'Don't be afraid to make plays'. To get on the floor as a young player at this level means you have got to help the team. You have to be a low mistake player, and I have so much confidence in these freshman that I want them playing really aggressive too."
ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE
The Eagles have been just as impressive during their opening three games fueled by convincing home victories over Maine (85-65), South Carolina State (91-52) and Sacred Heart (73-53). Boston College is led by fourth-year coach Jim Christian who has won three of his previous four meetings against the Red Raiders when he served as TCU's head coach from 2008-12.
Ky Bowman, an All-ACC Freshman Team pick last season, has posted a team-leading 14.0 points and 5.3 assists per game. He was one of three freshmen nationally with a trio of 30-point outings and upped his averages to 21.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in seven games versus ranked opponents last season.
Deontae Hawkins has made an instant impact with 13.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. The graduate transfer from Illinois State was an All-Missouri Valley Second-Team selection and the MVC's Most Improved Player last season. He is coming off a 22-point and 8-rebound performance during the Sacred Heart game.
Boston College's top bench performer has been Steffon Mitchell. The 6-8 freshman has tucked away 12.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game. He has connected on 11 of his 15 shot attempts. The Eagles also have received 10.3 points per game apiece from Jordan Chatman and Jerome Robinson. Robinson was All-ACC Honorable Mention last season and has started all 59 games of his career.
UP NEXT
Texas Tech returns home to face Wofford on Wednesday followed by Savannah State on Saturday as part of Thanksgiving Week. Wednesday's contest tips at 5:30 p.m. CT and is the second game of a doubleheader with the Lady Raiders who face UMass-Lowell at 3 p.m. CT.
Tickets to either Wednesday's or Saturday's games can be purchased for as low as $10 online at www.TexasTech.com or in person at the United Supermarkets Arena Box Office which opens 90 minutes prior to tipoff.
Fans are reminded that the S1 Parking Lot at the John Walker Soccer Complex which is located at 3901 10th Street is the lone free parking lot for all fans which includes ADA parking for all men's basketball games. A free shuttle service begins 75 minutes prior to tipoff and runs up to 60 minutes following the game to transport fans to and from the United Supermarkets Arena. Buses also are ADA accessible. There is no longer free parking available in the West Lot across from the United Supermarkets Arena.
Traffic patterns around the United Supermarkets Arena have changed for the 2017-18 season. All patrons with North Lot passes must enter their lot from the Main and Flint intersection. All fans with South Lot passes must enter their lot from the 18th and Flint intersection. All West Lot pass holders must enter their lot at the Texas Tech Parkway and Knoxville Avenue intersection. All vehicles will be blocked from entering Indiana Avenue off of the Texas Tech Parkway.
Fans are reminded to go clear at all Texas Tech basketball games. The clear bag policy provides a safer atmosphere and speeds up the entry process into the United Supermarkets Arena.
Season tickets are on-sale and features the affordable Red Raider Sports Pass at $99. Season tickets can be purchased in person at the Texas Tech Athletics Ticket Office located on the East Side of Jones AT&T Stadium, online at www.TexasTech.com or over the phone at (806) 742-8324 (TECH). Single-game tickets for nonconference games and Big 12 mini-plan ticket information also has been announced by the Texas Tech Athletics Ticket Office.
Visit www.TexasTech.com for the latest news and information on the men's basketball program. Fans also can follow the program on its social media outlets by liking TexasTechMBB on Facebook along with following @TexasTechMBB on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
Players Mentioned
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