Kansas Basketball: Notes, TV Info vs Texas Tech Red Raiders
By Joel Wagler
The Kansas basketball team survived their Big 12 road opener and now will matchup against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the conference home opener.
The Big 12 appears stronger than ever this season so it is even more imperative the Kansas basketball team remains strong at home in the “Phog.” Texas Tech will not be a pushover, so the Kansas Jayhawks need to be ready.
The Red Raiders are 12-1 with good wins over Boston College (who beat Duke), ranked Nevada, and ranked Baylor. Their only loss came to Seton Hall in November.
This battle will be another clash of Top 25 schools, one of many that will play out this season in the Big 12. The conference has 6 teams ranked and two others receiving votes.
Because the NCAA offices didn’t open until Tuesday, there is little chance either Billy Preston or Silvio De Souza will be cleared to play early enough to see action against the Red Raiders.
WATCH: Silvio De Sousa Highlights
KANSAS BASKETBALL LIVE STREAM AND TV INFO
- Who: Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-1)
- Where: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas
- Tipoff Time: Tuesday, January 2, 8:00 p.m. CT
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Kansas Basketball Live Stream: WatchESPN
The Kansas basketball live stream versus the Texas Tech Red Raiders can be seen on WatchESPN if your cable subscription includes ESPN.
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KANSAS BASKETBALL NOTES
In this matchup between the Jayhawks and Red Raiders, something has to give. Kansas is the second leading scoring team in the Big 12 averaging 87.8 points a game. The Red Raiders allow the fewest points per game, by far, giving up only 58.2 tallies be outing.
The Jayhawks are converting on 73.4 percent of the free throw attempts, which ranks third in the Big 12. The only problem is they are not getting enough attempts. All nine other schools have more made free throws this season than KU has shot!
KANSAS BASKETBALL RANKINGS IN THE BIG 12 CONFERENCE
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(Stats on a per game basis)
- Points – second – 87.8
- Points Allowed – seventh – 67.2
- Scoring Margin – second – +20.6 (Tech leads the conference at +23.1)
- Field Goal Percentage – first – 51.7
- Three-Point Percentage – first – 42.2
- Rebounding Margin – fifth – +4.8
- Assists – second – 19.6
- Steals – fourth – 7.7
The Jayhawks will have to focus on rebounding, especially if Preston and De Souza do not get cleared to play soon. With only one true big man, the KU guards have to rebound well or they will struggle. It will get tougher and tougher during rugged conference play.
Kansas relies heavily on the three-point shot and that can be scary if teams are able to curtail their looks. Only Oklahoma (134) and KU (146) have more than 122 made shots from behind the arc. KU has to be better at attacking the rim and getting the free throw line as conference play progresses.
One last note to mention is that according to the Kansas City Star, Malik Newman (foot) and Udoka Azubuike (back) are dealing with some injuries, though both are expected to play on Tuesday. These issues may hinder their effectiveness and could factor in to the outcome.
Next: Biggest Threats to KU in Big 12
Texas Tech will be a strong test for the Kansas basketball team, even at home. Look for the Red Raiders to limit the looks for the Kansas Jayhawks from deep. They will try to force KU to score in other ways. Texas Tech is a strong defensive team, and it should make for an entertaining game.