LUBBOCK, TX – The Texas Tech men’s basketball team is gearing up for a pivotal Big 12 matchup as the Red Raiders host No. 3 Iowa State on Saturday at United Supermarkets Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., with the game broadcast nationally on ESPN.
GAME INFORMATION
Matchup: No. 3 Iowa State (13-1, 3-0 Big 12) at Texas Tech (11-3, 2-1 Big 12)
Location: United Supermarkets Arena, Lubbock, Texas
Tipoff: 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025
TV: ESPN
Radio: Texas Tech Sports Network
Texas Tech (11-3, 2-1 Big 12) is coming off back-to-back road wins against Utah and BYU, victories that lifted the Red Raiders to No. 15 in the Kenpom rankings and No. 17 in the NCAA NET ratings. Meanwhile, Iowa State (13-1, 3-0 Big 12) enters on a 10-game winning streak and is ranked No. 3 in both the AP Top 25 and USA TODAY Coaches Poll.
The Red Raiders, led by a conference-best field goal percentage of 51.2%, are also among the nation’s elite in scoring efficiency. Texas Tech ranks third nationally in effective field goal percentage (59.1%) and fifth in overall field goal percentage. The team has made 10 or more three-pointers in nine games this season, with guard Chance McMillian leading the way. McMillian is shooting 50% from beyond the arc, the best mark in the nation.
Junior guard Elijah Hawkins is coming off a standout performance at BYU, where he recorded a season-high 22 points, including six three-pointers. Hawkins also notched a double-double against Utah earlier in the week with 12 points and 10 assists. Forward Darrion Williams has been a consistent contributor, averaging 16.4 points per game and earning Big 12 Player of the Week honors in December.
Texas Tech Guard Elijah Hawkins
(Credit: texastech.com)
Texas Tech’s offensive firepower is complemented by strong team play. The Red Raiders lead the Big 12 in free throw percentage (77.6%) and rank third nationally in assists-to-turnover ratio (1.74). On the defensive end, they are holding opponents to under 40% shooting.
Iowa State boasts the conference’s top offense, averaging 86.3 points per game, and excels in turnovers, with a Big 12-leading 6.2 turnover margin. The Cyclones are led by a balanced scoring attack and rank second in the league in field goal percentage (49.9%).
The Red Raiders have a history of upsetting top-ranked teams, having defeated a top-10 opponent in each of the past 10 seasons. Their most recent victory came against No. 6 Kansas last February. In total, Texas Tech has 14 wins over top-five opponents in program history, including a victory over No. 1 Baylor in 2022.
Saturday’s matchup marks an opportunity for Texas Tech to continue its streak and make a statement in the Big 12. Fans can tune in to the action on ESPN, with play-by-play commentary by Rich Hollenberg and analysis from Fran Fraschilla.
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