Texas Tech Prepares for Final Non-Conference Matchup Against Lamar

“It’s great to be back playing in the USA,” McCasland began. “I think we’ve made some strides recently on defense. We’ve got a real connected group that is learning every game we step on the floor. Getting this one going into conference play is going to be huge.”

McCasland noted the team’s growth through the first 10 games, despite challenges with injuries forcing multiple lineup adjustments.
“For the most part, other than having so many lineups because of injuries, I thought our team has improved,” he said. “You don’t want to be playing your best basketball in November or December. You want to be playing your best in March. But you have to put yourself in position for March.”

He highlighted the significance of defensive execution and rebounding as key focus areas for continued improvement.
“The biggest thing for us is if we can guard the ball in the middle of the floor. How efficient and effective can we be in ball-screen coverages? Then can we rebound. Getting stops is imperative for us to be our best.”

McCasland expressed respect for Lamar’s recent performances, noting their toughness and physicality.
“This is going to be as difficult a game as we will play. I can’t tell you how impressed I’ve been watching Lamar on film. They’ve won four straight games on the road. The way they’ve won them has been impressive. They’ve blown people out, they’ve won close games, have been more physical, and their rebounding has gotten better. They’re playing their best basketball right now.”

McCasland credited Lamar head coach Alvin Brooks for developing a cohesive and unselfish team.
“Their pace and flow has gotten so much better. It feels like they have a group that loves to play together and move the basketball. They are sharing the ball at a really good rate. Not a lot of teams can have that many people touch the basketball and have success. That looks like to me how they’ve done it.”

As the Red Raiders prepare to host Lamar, McCasland emphasized that his team is fully focused on the task at hand and not overlooking their final non-conference opponent.