9:00 p.m. ET: Texas Longhorns (13-7) at Texas Tech Red Raiders (18-3)

Spread: Texas Tech -5
Total: 122.5

The #14 Texas Tech Red Raiders hosts former coach and the #23 Texas Longhorns and will be trying to extend its 7-game home winning streak. This will be the first meeting between these teams this season. The Red Raiders have gone 13-0 at home. Texas Tech ranks 3rd in the Big 12 with 24.4 defensive rebounds per game. The Longhorns are 5-3 against Big 12 opponents. Texas scores 68.7 points while outscoring opponents by 14.2 points per game. Kevin McCullar is averaging 8.9 points and 3.1 assists for the Red Raiders. Timmy Allen is averaging 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds for the Longhorns. Texas is a team that will focus on defense first. The Red Raiders’ offense could struggle in the half-court, and I don’t expect them to generate many easy buckets. As much motivation as there is for Texas Tech, Beard and his boys are going to be pretty fired up for this one, as well. Texas Tech is the more talented team and playing at home gives them the edge but this is too many points for this intense matchup. This should be a tight close game throughout giving Texas a good shot at covering the spread and possibly winning outright. Take the Longhorns to get the job done in this one as Beard will look to exploit his former players.  

Trends

• The Underdog is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.

The Bookie:          Texas +5 / Over 122.5
Fade the Public:   Texas / Under
Sharp Action:       Texas / Over