The Cincinnati Bearcats are turning heads with their current winning streak, having not lost a game since Valentine’s Day. This team is on fire and causing quite a stir in the Big 12, as evidenced by their recent triumph over the No.
8 Kansas Jayhawks. The Bearcats are proving to be a formidable challenge for any team they face.
However, the Texas Tech Red Raiders are next in line to take on Cincinnati, and they’re facing their own set of challenges. With the loss of JT Toppin, their leading scorer and rebounder, to a season-ending ACL injury, the Red Raiders have a significant gap to fill. Despite this setback, ESPN’s Matchup Predictor remains optimistic about Texas Tech’s chances, giving them an impressive 80.8 percent likelihood of defeating Cincinnati.
Playing in Lubbock certainly adds to Texas Tech's confidence. The Red Raiders boast a 13-1 home record this season, making United Supermarkets Arena a tough venue for visitors.
Even without Toppin, Texas Tech's prowess from beyond the arc is noteworthy. They average 11.4 three-pointers per game, hitting 39.2 percent of their shots from deep.
This long-range shooting could be pivotal in their offensive strategy moving forward.
Christian Anderson and Donovan Atwell are stepping up as key players from the three-point line, likely leading the offensive charge in Toppin’s absence. Yet, Texas Tech cannot afford to underestimate Cincinnati. The Bearcats recently dismantled the Jayhawks by 16 points in Lawrence, showcasing their defensive strength and tenacity.
As the Bearcats head to Lubbock, the clash promises to be an intriguing battle. The question remains: will Texas Tech's home advantage and shooting prowess be enough to overcome Cincinnati’s momentum and stout defense? Fans are in for an exciting showdown, as both teams look to assert their dominance.