Texas Tech vs Texas Odds and Picks

• #20 Texas Tech is a 2-point favorite over #13 Texas in the Big 12 quarterfinal on Thursday (March 11th, 9:30 pm ET)
• The Red Raiders won both matchups over the Longhorns in the regular season
• See below for analysis, odds and a betting prediction

To anyone wondering how stacked the Big 12 is this year, look no further that the conference tournament quarterfinal. #20 Texas Tech faces #13 Texas on Thursday (March 11th, 9:30 pm ET), meaning one of the top-20 teams in the nation will be one and done in their conference tournament.

#20 Texas Tech vs #13 Texas Odds

Odds taken March 10th.

Surprisingly, the Red Raiders opened up as a 2-point favorite, in a game that features a total of 135.5. Texas Tech (17-9, 9-8 Big 12) finished three spots lower than Texas (17-7, 11-6 Big 12) in the conference standings this season, and is coming off its worst loss of 2020-21.

Red Raiders Mauled By Bears

Texas Tech took a three-game winning streak into its game with #3 Baylor last Sunday, and were promptly reminded of the gap between themselves and the Bears. Baylor shot 52.7% from the field, and 62.5% from beyond the arc, while outrebounding the Red Raiders by 13 and producing 6 more assists.

Final in Waco pic.twitter.com/92yjhSVVNU

— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) March 7, 2021

Texas Tech entered the game as the Big 12’s top defense, but allowed a season-high 88 points, 16 more than their season average.

Kyler Edwards led the way offensively with 18 points, while Kevin McCullar and Terrence Shannon Jr. each had 11. Leading scorer Max McClung was held to just 7 points, marking the second time in three games he’s been held below 8 points.

The Red Raiders are currently projected as a 5-seed in next week’s NCAA Tournament, but an early exit this week could change that. They’re 2-0 versus Texas this season, but given the fact that their two biggest weaknesses (rebounding, and defending the three-point line) play right into the Longhorns’ strengths, perhaps the third time will be the charm for Shaka Smart’s crew.

Longhorns In Fine Form

Texas enters play winners of three straight, including a victory over #25 Oklahoma. Last time out, they waxed TCU 76-64, building a lead as large as 18 before cruising to victory. Leading scorer Andrew Jones led the way with 16 points and 5 rebounds, and was one of five Longhorns to hit double-figures.

Three straight road dubs. That’s how you finish. 🤘🤘🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/zhd2GiPfja

— Texas Men's Basketball (@TexasMBB) March 8, 2021

Texas shot 53.6% from the field and 47.8% from three, but strong shooting is nothing new to this program. They rank third in the Big 12 in field-goal percentage and three-point efficiency, and fourth in points per game.

Defensively, they allowed the Horned Frogs to shoot 47.1% from the field, but made up for it by forcing 22 turnovers, and racking up 4 blocks. They’re best rebounding team in the conference, and allow the third lowest field-goal percentage to enemy shooters.

Texas Takes Down Tech

Each of the Longhorns last three wins were on the road, which bodes well for them since the Big 12 Tournament is in Kansas City, MO. They’ve covered in three straight games, and were 3-1 as an underdog away from home this season.

The Red Raiders meanwhile, struggled against the spread in 2020-21, finishing 10-16 overall, and 9-13 as a favorite. They were even worse versus ranked opposition, covering just two times in 10 outings.

Yes, they’re 2-0 straight up against Texas this season, but that alone shouldn’t justify making them the favorite in this matchup. Look for the Longhorns to exploit Texas Tech’s weak rebounding and sub-par three-point defense.

Pick: Texas Longhorns +2 (-105)