Tuesday night's clash between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Cincinnati Bearcats might not have been on everyone's radar initially, but it’s shaping up to be quite the intriguing showdown. With the No. 16 Red Raiders hosting the Bearcats, there are several compelling storylines to keep an eye on.
Storyline No. 1: Red Raiders Face Their First Real Test Without JT Toppin
The Red Raiders are navigating uncharted waters after losing JT Toppin to a season-ending ACL injury. While their recent game against Kansas State was a warm-up, the real challenge lies ahead with Cincinnati.
The Bearcats, riding a four-game winning streak, recently toppled the No. 8 Kansas Jayhawks on their home turf.
Known for their robust front court and defensive prowess, allowing just 67 points per game, Cincinnati poses a formidable challenge for Texas Tech.
Storyline No. 2: The Moustapha Thiam Factor
Cincinnati’s Moustapha Thiam is a player Texas Tech must strategize against. Standing at 7-foot-2 and weighing 250 pounds, the young center from Senegal can be a game-changer.
Thiam’s performance against the Jayhawks, where he scored 28 points and snagged eight rebounds, showcased his potential to dominate. While his season averages are 11.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, his ability to disrupt with such performances is something the Red Raiders need to address, especially with Toppin sidelined.
Storyline No. 3: Anderson and Atwell Chasing History
Texas Tech’s Donovan Atwell has already etched his name in the record books by surpassing Cory Carr’s single-season record for three-pointers with 100. But the story doesn’t end there.
Christian Anderson, with 91 made threes, is hot on his heels. While reaching 100 in this game might be a stretch, matching Carr’s 94 is within reach.
Watching these two sharpshooters make history adds another layer of excitement to the matchup.
In a game that promises to deliver on drama and skill, the Red Raiders and Bearcats are set to provide fans with a thrilling basketball experience.