Saturday, February 25
Stillwater, Okla.
1:00 PM
Texas Tech Athletics
at
Oklahoma State
Red Raider Preview: Oklahoma State
February 24, 2017 | Men's Basketball
The Red Raiders will play the Top 5 teams in the Big 12 standings over the last 15 days.
STILLWATER, Okla. – The Texas Tech men's basketball team continues the grind of Big 12 conference play and meets most arguably the hottest team in the league when the Red Raiders take on Oklahoma State on Saturday.
Tipoff is on-tap for 1 p.m. CT with the game televised by ESPNU along with www.WatchESPN.com and the Watch ESPN app. Dave Armstrong and Bryndon Manzer will serve as the announcing team.
The Texas Tech Sports Network will carry the game live on its flagship stations 100.7 FM and 950 AM in Lubbock. Geoff Haxton and Chris Level 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 TuneIn Radio app. Fans can interact live with Saturday's broadcast @GunsUpRadio on Twitter.
The Red Raiders (17-11, 5-11 Big 12) will face off versus the Top 5 teams in the Big 12 standings over the last 15 days. Texas Tech has lost three of the first four decisions by a combined 12 points with two of the contests being decided in overtime. The Red Raiders knocked off No. 4 Baylor by an 84-78 margin on Feb. 13.
"The guys have been great," Texas Tech head coach Chris Beard said. "We talk a lot about perseverance in our program, and this is just a great opportunity to do that. We've got a day-to-day process that we have talked about many times before. That's really the key: just play good days back-to-back. Those days become good weeks, and a couple of good weeks will become good months. We're close in a lot of ways, and I think we've got a lot of good basketball left in the remainder of the season."
Oklahoma State (19-9, 8-7 Big 12) has ripped off wins during nine of its last 10 games following a 0-6 start in Big 12 action. The Cowboys streak was ignited by an 83-64 win over Texas Tech on Jan. 21 in Lubbock. The lone setback was a 72-69 decision to No. 6 Baylor at home on Feb. 8.
Oklahoma State holds a 41-20 series advantage on the strength of winning 21 of the 25 matchups in Stillwater. Texas Tech picked up a 71-61 victory in Stillwater last season, the program's first win at Gallagher-Iba Arena since the 2002-03 season. Toddrick Gotcher exploded for 21 of his career-high 24 points during the second half.
About Texas Tech
The Red Raiders check in among the NCAA's Top 40 in five categories which include fewest turnovers per game (11.2 – 24th), fewest turnovers (301 – 30th), assist-to-turnover (1.31 – 37th) and turnover margin (+2.6 – 38th).
Texas Tech's starting five has done the heavy lifting and registered 336 of the team's 378 games over the last five games.
Keenan Evans has put together 16 consecutive games in double figures and upped his scoring mark to 17.1 points per game in Big 12 action which is tied for fifth on the conference leaderboard. Evans has totaled seven of his nine games of 20-plus points this season. He has knocked down 45.0 three-pointers, 83.5 percent of his free throws and 48.5 percent of his field goals, all inside the Big 12's Top 10.
Zach Smith has tallied 10-plus points in 12 of last 15 games and collected 13.9 points per game in his last eight outings. He is a staple in the Big 12 rankings with 7.6 rebounds (5th), a 52.3 field goal percentage (5th), 8 double-doubles (5th) and 1.5 blocks (T-5th). Smith has added a block in 24 of his 27 appearances and claimed 133 career blocks which is second on Texas Tech's all-time list behind Tony Battie at 162 rejections.
Anthony Livingston and Aaron Ross has managed 10.3 points and 9.7 points per game, respectively. Ross has been the team's top performer off the bench and came away with eight points during the Iowa State game which was his sixth start of the season. Livingston has rattled home 49 of his 100 field goals on treys. He will look for his first game in double figures since a 14-point performance at TCU on Feb. 7.
Niem Stevenson has been inserted into the starting lineup during Teas Tech's last six games. He has jumped his scoring mark to 14.4 points per game and connected on 16 of his 26 three's over the last nine games. Stevenson has managed double figures in five straight games and seven of his last eight outings which included consecutive 17-point efforts during the West Virginia and Iowa State games.
Justin Gray has garnered 8.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He has canned 91 of his 150 two-point attempts, and the Red Raiders are 9-2 this season when Gray reaches double digit points. Most recently, Gray secured 16 points versus Iowa State on Monday.
Thomas Brandsma, Shadell Millinghaus, Devon Thomas and Matthew Temple round out the 10-man playing rotation for Texas Tech. Temple amassed a Big 12 career-high 11 points in last season's matchup at Oklahoma State.
Texas Tech has played 25 of its 28 games this season which includes its last 12 games without Norense Odiase who turned in 8.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game last season.
"I think we're a better defensive rebounding team," Beard said. "We've been working on that in practice. The guys have embraced that. Our guards are doing a better job of rebounding. We've been doing a pretty good ball handling team all year, just been a little inconsistent. I think our last few road games we've taken care of the ball for the most part. We've just had some individual players step up with Niem being at the top of that list. That's what it's about this time of year. It's a player's game."
About Oklahoma State
The Cowboys are fueled by Big 12 All-Conference candidates Jeffrey Carroll, Jawun Evans and Phil Forte III. The trio has accounted for 49.0 points per game and buried 145 of the team's 244 three-pointers on the season.
Evans is a three-time recipient and is the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year. He has ripped off double figures in nine consecutive games and 23 of his 27 appearances on the season. Evans is a Top 30 finalist for the Naismith Trophy and reeled off 20-plus points on 11 times. He pumped in a Big 12 season-high 27 points on 11-of-23 from the floor.
Forte III is OSU's all-time leader with 316 treys made and he's one of seven Big 12 players to make at least 300 three-pointers. He is averaging 14.8 points per game over his eight career games versus Texas Tech. Forte III has picked up double figures in 11 of his last 14 appearances but was limited to two points at Kansas State last time out.
Carroll has pumped in 17.3 points coupled with a team-leading 6.6 rebounds per game per game and knocked down 54.2 percent of his field goals. He amassed a career-high 25 points versus Texas Tech during the first meeting between the two teams. Carroll is one of three players to rank among the Big 12's Top eight in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage.
Davon Dillard has emerged for Oklahoma State as of late and provided 7.6 points per game over the last nine games. He pumped in a career-high 15 points against Texas on Feb. 11 and added nine points during the Kansas State game on Wednesday.
"I would put Oklahoma State in the top two or three teams in our league," Beard said. "When I saw them during non-conference at Wichita State in the preparations for our first game, I thought they had the looks of a Sweet 16 type team. In my opinion, they have three all-conference players. It's hard to put together a list of the Top 10 or 12 players in this league without putting Phil Forte III – one of the all-time Big 12 great players – on there. [Jawun] Evans, a future NBA point guard and [Jeffrey] Carroll, who may be the most improved player in college basketball, not just the Big 12. It starts with three talented all conference players but then the other players are really good too and who can start for any team in our league that are playing good basketball. Brad [Underwood] is one of the best coaches in our game, and those of us who do this realize that."
Up Next
Texas Tech wraps up the home portion of its regular season schedule and takes on Texas on Wednesday. The Red Raiders will honor the five members of their senior class prior to the game. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT, and the game will be televised by ESPN along with being available on the Watch ESPN app.
Fans can purchase tickets to Wednesday's game for as low as $15 online at www.TexasTech.com or in person at the United Supermarkets Arena Box Office which opens 90 minutes prior to tipoff.
Texas Tech is offering enhancements for the remainder of the season to better serve its fans. The S1 Parking Lot at the John Walker Soccer Complex will be open for free parking for all fans. Texas Tech also will provide a free shuttle beginning 75 minutes prior to tipoff and 60 minutes following the game to transport fans to and from the United Supermarkets Arena.
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.
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 at www.Facebook.com/TexasTechMBB and @TexasTechMBB on Twitter and Instagram.
Tipoff is on-tap for 1 p.m. CT with the game televised by ESPNU along with www.WatchESPN.com and the Watch ESPN app. Dave Armstrong and Bryndon Manzer will serve as the announcing team.
The Texas Tech Sports Network will carry the game live on its flagship stations 100.7 FM and 950 AM in Lubbock. Geoff Haxton and Chris Level 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 TuneIn Radio app. Fans can interact live with Saturday's broadcast @GunsUpRadio on Twitter.
The Red Raiders (17-11, 5-11 Big 12) will face off versus the Top 5 teams in the Big 12 standings over the last 15 days. Texas Tech has lost three of the first four decisions by a combined 12 points with two of the contests being decided in overtime. The Red Raiders knocked off No. 4 Baylor by an 84-78 margin on Feb. 13.
"The guys have been great," Texas Tech head coach Chris Beard said. "We talk a lot about perseverance in our program, and this is just a great opportunity to do that. We've got a day-to-day process that we have talked about many times before. That's really the key: just play good days back-to-back. Those days become good weeks, and a couple of good weeks will become good months. We're close in a lot of ways, and I think we've got a lot of good basketball left in the remainder of the season."
Oklahoma State (19-9, 8-7 Big 12) has ripped off wins during nine of its last 10 games following a 0-6 start in Big 12 action. The Cowboys streak was ignited by an 83-64 win over Texas Tech on Jan. 21 in Lubbock. The lone setback was a 72-69 decision to No. 6 Baylor at home on Feb. 8.
Oklahoma State holds a 41-20 series advantage on the strength of winning 21 of the 25 matchups in Stillwater. Texas Tech picked up a 71-61 victory in Stillwater last season, the program's first win at Gallagher-Iba Arena since the 2002-03 season. Toddrick Gotcher exploded for 21 of his career-high 24 points during the second half.
About Texas Tech
The Red Raiders check in among the NCAA's Top 40 in five categories which include fewest turnovers per game (11.2 – 24th), fewest turnovers (301 – 30th), assist-to-turnover (1.31 – 37th) and turnover margin (+2.6 – 38th).
Texas Tech's starting five has done the heavy lifting and registered 336 of the team's 378 games over the last five games.
Keenan Evans has put together 16 consecutive games in double figures and upped his scoring mark to 17.1 points per game in Big 12 action which is tied for fifth on the conference leaderboard. Evans has totaled seven of his nine games of 20-plus points this season. He has knocked down 45.0 three-pointers, 83.5 percent of his free throws and 48.5 percent of his field goals, all inside the Big 12's Top 10.
Zach Smith has tallied 10-plus points in 12 of last 15 games and collected 13.9 points per game in his last eight outings. He is a staple in the Big 12 rankings with 7.6 rebounds (5th), a 52.3 field goal percentage (5th), 8 double-doubles (5th) and 1.5 blocks (T-5th). Smith has added a block in 24 of his 27 appearances and claimed 133 career blocks which is second on Texas Tech's all-time list behind Tony Battie at 162 rejections.
Anthony Livingston and Aaron Ross has managed 10.3 points and 9.7 points per game, respectively. Ross has been the team's top performer off the bench and came away with eight points during the Iowa State game which was his sixth start of the season. Livingston has rattled home 49 of his 100 field goals on treys. He will look for his first game in double figures since a 14-point performance at TCU on Feb. 7.
Niem Stevenson has been inserted into the starting lineup during Teas Tech's last six games. He has jumped his scoring mark to 14.4 points per game and connected on 16 of his 26 three's over the last nine games. Stevenson has managed double figures in five straight games and seven of his last eight outings which included consecutive 17-point efforts during the West Virginia and Iowa State games.
Justin Gray has garnered 8.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He has canned 91 of his 150 two-point attempts, and the Red Raiders are 9-2 this season when Gray reaches double digit points. Most recently, Gray secured 16 points versus Iowa State on Monday.
Thomas Brandsma, Shadell Millinghaus, Devon Thomas and Matthew Temple round out the 10-man playing rotation for Texas Tech. Temple amassed a Big 12 career-high 11 points in last season's matchup at Oklahoma State.
Texas Tech has played 25 of its 28 games this season which includes its last 12 games without Norense Odiase who turned in 8.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game last season.
"I think we're a better defensive rebounding team," Beard said. "We've been working on that in practice. The guys have embraced that. Our guards are doing a better job of rebounding. We've been doing a pretty good ball handling team all year, just been a little inconsistent. I think our last few road games we've taken care of the ball for the most part. We've just had some individual players step up with Niem being at the top of that list. That's what it's about this time of year. It's a player's game."
About Oklahoma State
The Cowboys are fueled by Big 12 All-Conference candidates Jeffrey Carroll, Jawun Evans and Phil Forte III. The trio has accounted for 49.0 points per game and buried 145 of the team's 244 three-pointers on the season.
Evans is a three-time recipient and is the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year. He has ripped off double figures in nine consecutive games and 23 of his 27 appearances on the season. Evans is a Top 30 finalist for the Naismith Trophy and reeled off 20-plus points on 11 times. He pumped in a Big 12 season-high 27 points on 11-of-23 from the floor.
Forte III is OSU's all-time leader with 316 treys made and he's one of seven Big 12 players to make at least 300 three-pointers. He is averaging 14.8 points per game over his eight career games versus Texas Tech. Forte III has picked up double figures in 11 of his last 14 appearances but was limited to two points at Kansas State last time out.
Carroll has pumped in 17.3 points coupled with a team-leading 6.6 rebounds per game per game and knocked down 54.2 percent of his field goals. He amassed a career-high 25 points versus Texas Tech during the first meeting between the two teams. Carroll is one of three players to rank among the Big 12's Top eight in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage.
Davon Dillard has emerged for Oklahoma State as of late and provided 7.6 points per game over the last nine games. He pumped in a career-high 15 points against Texas on Feb. 11 and added nine points during the Kansas State game on Wednesday.
"I would put Oklahoma State in the top two or three teams in our league," Beard said. "When I saw them during non-conference at Wichita State in the preparations for our first game, I thought they had the looks of a Sweet 16 type team. In my opinion, they have three all-conference players. It's hard to put together a list of the Top 10 or 12 players in this league without putting Phil Forte III – one of the all-time Big 12 great players – on there. [Jawun] Evans, a future NBA point guard and [Jeffrey] Carroll, who may be the most improved player in college basketball, not just the Big 12. It starts with three talented all conference players but then the other players are really good too and who can start for any team in our league that are playing good basketball. Brad [Underwood] is one of the best coaches in our game, and those of us who do this realize that."
Up Next
Texas Tech wraps up the home portion of its regular season schedule and takes on Texas on Wednesday. The Red Raiders will honor the five members of their senior class prior to the game. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT, and the game will be televised by ESPN along with being available on the Watch ESPN app.
Fans can purchase tickets to Wednesday's game for as low as $15 online at www.TexasTech.com or in person at the United Supermarkets Arena Box Office which opens 90 minutes prior to tipoff.
Texas Tech is offering enhancements for the remainder of the season to better serve its fans. The S1 Parking Lot at the John Walker Soccer Complex will be open for free parking for all fans. Texas Tech also will provide a free shuttle beginning 75 minutes prior to tipoff and 60 minutes following the game to transport fans to and from the United Supermarkets Arena.
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.
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 at www.Facebook.com/TexasTechMBB and @TexasTechMBB on Twitter and Instagram.
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