Stopping Christian Anderson: Texas Tech's Top Priority
When it comes to Texas Tech's strategy, shutting down Christian Anderson should be priority number one. Anderson put on a show against Kansas State, dropping 21 points with an impressive 8-for-13 shooting performance, including three of six from beyond the arc.
His consistency from three-point range is notable, having hit at least three triples in six straight games and nine of his last ten. As one of three Red Raiders who heavily lean on the three-ball, Anderson's impact is undeniable.
The matchup between Anderson and UC's defenders-Day Day Thomas, Sencire Harris, and Keyshuan Tillery-could be the deciding factor in the game. Texas Tech will look to their other guards, like Jaylen Petty and Donovan Atwell, who just set a school record with 93 three-pointers in a season, to step up offensively. UC's guards will need to bring their defensive A-game.
Head Coach Grant McCasland mentioned post-Kansas State victory that the team might actually benefit from JT Toppin's absence due to improved offensive continuity. It's also worth noting that Anderson isn't at full health, which could play a role in the game dynamics.
Baba Miller's Resurgence from Deep
Baba Miller was expected to contribute from three-point range this season, given his background as a former point guard before a growth spurt. However, through his first 21 games, he struggled mightily, shooting just 9% from beyond the arc.
In a promising turn, Miller has connected on four of his last six attempts from deep over the past three games. This resurgence is opening up new dimensions for his game and the team, showcasing why NBA scouts are keeping a close eye on him.
Miller's matchup against Texas Tech presents another opportunity for him to continue his scoring streak and prove his value on the court.
LeJuan Watts and Luke Bamgboye Step Up
In their first game without All-American JT Toppin, Texas Tech cruised past Kansas State, 100-72, thanks in part to standout performances from LeJuan Watts and Luke Bamgboye. Watts contributed 10 points on 6-for-11 shooting, going a perfect six-for-six from the free-throw line and grabbing six rebounds.
Bamgboye added 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting, also pulling down six boards. This marked the first time either player hit double digits since early February, with Watts previously scoring 19 against Kansas.
Watts remains a key player to fill the offensive void left by Toppin.
Jizzle James Looks to Rebound
Jizzle James has taken a step back in Cincinnati's last two outings. A bout with the flu limited his impact against Utah, though he still contributed to a narrow victory.
In the win over Kansas, James ceded the spotlight to Moustapha Thiam and Baba Miller, who shouldered the offensive load. This came after James delivered strong performances against Kansas State and UCF.
As Cincinnati leans on Miller and Thiam, it's unlikely they'll shift focus back to James for primary scoring duties, especially given Texas Tech's lack of size. The Bearcats are poised to continue feeding their frontcourt duo to maintain their success.