Game Recap

Player of the Game: Keenan Evans, the senior point guard was instrumental in maintaining the pace and keeping things under control, only 10 turnovers for the team for the game. Evans finished with 15 points, including 7 of 8 free throws, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.

High Flyer of the Game: Zhaire Smith’s dunk coming out of the timeout on the lob by Keenan Evans. It was just special and you can watch it here.

Defender of the Game: The big man, Norense Odiase controlled the middle, grabbing 8 rebounds and was blocking the hell out of the anyone who wanted to get a piece of the paint.

Multi-Purpose Player of the Game: I can’t choose between Zhaire and Jarrett Culver. Zhaire finished with 11 points on 4 of 9, with 5 boards and 2 assists, while Culver had 12 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. No turnovers for either of the two freshmen.

Game Notes:

• In the first half, texas Tech was crazy opportunistic. Just all of the little things were falling Texas Tech’s way, namely because they were hustling the heck out of the ball and going after some offensive rebounds really well. they were able to steal an inbounds pass and make a bunch of really nice jumpshots.
• I mentioned in the preview that Texas Tech was most likely going to be able to keep pace with Kansas on the perimeter That’s always been Texas TEch’s biggest flaw defensively, which is guarding the three-point line and the Red Raiders did a good job of that as well as just not getting overwhelmed with the Jayhawks. Want to be able to stop scoring runs, well, be able to defend, not give up second chance points and rebound the heck out of the ball.
• Keenan Evans is a ridiculously important player in a game like this because he’s got to be the guy that handles the ball more than anyone else. Having a senior point guard is critical because the Kansas perimeter pressure is real and you ned a guy that can create shots on the basket when the offense has fallen apart.
• Norense Odiase looked so good, like his old self. He’s never going to be Olajuwon, but if he can be Norense, then Texas Tech will be pretty good. Odiase rebounded really well and was enough of an offensive threat to be a thorn in the side for Kansas.
• I don’t know if anyone can stop that Zhaire Smith pull up jumper where he takes the ball from the wing and makes a jab step and then pulls up for that free throw line jumper. The elevation on his jumper is elite and there isn’t anyone that an block it.
• Stevenson can be so wild-assed sometimes. His defense was one of the reasons Texas Tech man-handled Baylor, but tonight, he was off. Weird turnovers and dribbling into bad situations and weird turnovers. But he’s somewhat of an important distributor too because he’s going to handle the ball.
• Texas Tech was relentless in attacking the rim, even down the stretch where it would be easy to just settle for jumpshots.
• Who was handling the ball down the court the last few minutes of the game? Jarrett Culver, the true freshman. Trust is earned and he’s a pretty good player too.
• First win for Texas Tech in Allen Fieldhouse in program history happened on the first Tuesday of 2018 where Texas Tech led from tip to buzzer.