LUBBOCK, TX – The Texas Tech Red Raiders will hit the road for their first true away games of the season, starting with a Big 12 showdown against the Utah Utes on Saturday, January 4, at 6 p.m. in Salt Lake City. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and broadcast on the Texas Tech Sports Network.
Texas Tech (9-3, 0-1 Big 12) aims to rebound from an 87-83 loss to UCF in its conference opener, marking its first home defeat of the season. The Red Raiders will face Utah (8-4, 0-1 Big 12), who also seeks redemption after a lopsided 81-56 loss to Baylor in their conference debut.
Head coach Grant McCasland emphasized the importance of focus:
“We have to put all our energy into winning the game against Utah to start. They’re a really good scoring team, especially when they’re hitting their 3s, and they move the ball well. We’ve got to be on edge guarding the 3-point line to win the basketball game.”
The Red Raiders boast one of the most efficient offenses in the Big 12, leading the conference with a 58.8 effective field goal percentage. Key stats include:
- Shooting: 51.1% FG (8th nationally), 39.2% 3PT (20th nationally).
- Free Throws: 79.2% FT (164-for-207).
- Scoring: Averaging 86.0 points per game while holding opponents to 65.3 points.
- Rebounding and Assists: Fifth in the Big 12 with 17.9 assists per game.
JT Toppin leads the team with 19.5 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, securing his fifth double-double of the season in the loss to UCF. Chance McMillian has been a standout, averaging 19.2 points over the last five games and shooting 51.6% from beyond the arc, which leads the Big 12 and ranks third nationally.
Utah has been a force at home, going 8-1 at the John M. Huntsman Center. Despite their strong home record, the Utes struggled against Baylor. Key players include:
- Gabe Madsen: Second in the Big 12 with 17.5 PPG and 3.42 made 3-pointers per game.
- Mason Madsen: Adds 12.1 PPG and ranks second in the conference with 3.25 made 3-pointers per game.
- Hunter Erickson: Leads Utah in 3-point percentage (45.5%).
The Utes rank second in the Big 12 in made 3-pointers per game (10.6) and lead the conference with 20.9 assists per game.
Saturday’s game marks the first meeting between Texas Tech and Utah as Big 12 opponents. The teams have met seven times previously, with Utah holding a 4-3 series advantage. The most recent matchup was a 73-63 Utah win in 2015.
Game Day Details
- Location: John M. Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Tip-off: 6 p.m. CST, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025
- Broadcast: ESPN+
- Play-by-Play: Pete Sousa
- Analyst: Bryndon Manzer
- Radio: Texas Tech Sports Network
- Play-by-Play: Geoff Haxton
- Analyst: Chris Level
Following the Utah game, Texas Tech will travel to Provo for a matchup against BYU on Tuesday, January 7, before returning to host No. 3 Iowa State on January 11.
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