BYU Heads to Lubbock for Top-15 Clash with Texas Tech
PROVO, UTAH - Buckle up for a Big 12 showdown that’s got all the makings of a midseason measuring stick. No.
11 BYU is headed to Lubbock to take on No. 15 Texas Tech this Saturday in a Top 15 battle at United Supermarkets Arena.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT, and the game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
This will be BYU’s first of two trips to Texas this season, and it comes with plenty of intrigue. Not only are both teams jockeying for position in the Big 12 standings, but there’s also some recent history - and a bit of revenge - baked into this one.
Recent History Tilts Toward the Red Raiders
Saturday marks the eighth all-time meeting between these two programs, with Texas Tech holding a narrow 4-3 edge in the series. The Red Raiders have won the last four matchups, flipping the script after BYU took the first three meetings.
The most recent clash came last season, and it stung for the Cougars. BYU dropped a 72-67 decision at home - their first loss in Provo under head coach Kevin Young.
That game was a showcase for Elijah Hawkins, who poured in a game-high 22 points to lead the Red Raiders. On the BYU side, forward Fousseyni Traore led the way with 14 points in just 24 minutes, while Keba Keita made his presence felt on the glass with 10 rebounds.
Interestingly, Texas Tech’s star forward JT Toppin - the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year - was held to just five points in that game, one of his lowest scoring outputs in a Red Raiders uniform. Slowing him down again will be a key focus for BYU’s defense.
Flashback: BYU’s Last Win in the Series
You’ve got to go back a ways to find BYU’s last win over Texas Tech - all the way to December 17, 1993. That night in Provo, Randy Reid lit it up with 26 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting performance.
He also knocked down a pair of threes and went 8-of-12 from the free throw line to lead the Cougars to an 84-74 victory. Fun fact: current BYU radio analyst Mark Durrant was on the floor that night, contributing five points, three boards, and two assists in 21 minutes.
Saturday’s Stakes
This isn’t just another conference game. It’s a statement opportunity for both teams.
BYU is looking to snap a four-game skid in the series and pick up a signature road win in one of the toughest environments in the Big 12. Texas Tech, meanwhile, is trying to hold serve at home and keep pace in a loaded conference race.
Expect a high-intensity battle between two teams that know how to defend, can score in bunches, and aren’t afraid of the moment. And with ESPN’s cameras rolling, the stage is set for one of the weekend’s marquee matchups in college basketball.