Texas Tech (12-8) at Baylor (16-4)
GAME NOTES: The Texas Tech Red Raiders and Baylor Bears are set to do battle in a Big 12 Conference contest, but the game is overshadowed by the unexpected retirement of legendary coach Bob Knight. The leader of the Texas Tech program for the last seven years, Knight decided that he was simply too tired to continue coaching and turned the reins over to his son, Pat Knight, who recruited most of the current team and has been the head coach designate since 2005. Bob Knight, the winningest men's collegiate basketball coach with 902 career victories, retires with a .627 winning percentage at Texas Tech, the best mark of any coach in program history. The inconsistency of the Red Raiders likely played a role in the legend's decision to retire, as the club has alternated wins and losses in each of the last seven games. On Saturday, they did knock off Oklahoma State by a 67-60 final, seemingly the final game in the coaching career of a man both revered for his success and criticized for his controversial antics. Texas Tech is 12-8 overall and 3-3 in Big 12 action. As for Baylor, its 16-4 record marks the team's best 20-game start since 1948. Unfortunately, the last two outings for the squad have resulted in defeat, including an 80-72 setback to Texas on Saturday. Texas Tech owns a commanding 73-41 series lead over Baylor, but the Bears have won the last two games.
Martin Zeno is the only player on the Texas Tech roster that has started all 20 games this season. He is scoring 16.5 ppg to lead three double-digit scorers. John Roberson checks in with 12.7 ppg, and Alan Voskuil adds 11.9 ppg. The Red Raiders are generating 69.3 ppg while limiting opponents to 63.5 ppg. In the victory over Oklahoma State, Roberson played all 40 minutes and scored 20 points. Mike Singletary pitched in 16 points and eight rebounds, while Zeno was limited to 10 points on 2-of-10 shooting from the floor. The Red Raiders only connected on 35.2 percent of their field goal attempts, but they earned a 25-14 edge in points from the foul line and a 40-28 rebounding advantage. Strong defense was also key to the victory, as Tech held OSU to 36.4 percent shooting.
Baylor has been able to achieve tremendous offensive balance this season, as five players are averaging double figures in scoring. Curtis Jerrells is scoring 14.3 ppg, and Kevin Rogers adds 12.7 ppg and 8.0 rpg. Henry Dugat checks in with 11.8 ppg, and LaceDarius Dunn is close behind with his 11.7 ppg. Rounding out the group is Aaron Bruce, who is posting 11.0 ppg on the strength of his 43.7 percent shooting from three-point range. Baylor is scoring 80.7 ppg overall while limiting the opposition to 69.9 ppg on 40.8 percent shooting from the field. Rogers scored 20 points in the loss to Texas on Saturday, while both Jerrells and Dunn added 12 points. Unfortunately, the Bears were outrebounded and outscored from the foul line in the setback.
Pat Knight has a much different demeanor than his father, so expect a different atmosphere around the Texas Tech team from here on out. The Red Raiders will play hard for their new leader, but Baylor will likely win this game in front of the home crowd.
GAME NOTES: The Texas Tech Red Raiders and Baylor Bears are set to do battle in a Big 12 Conference contest, but the game is overshadowed by the unexpected retirement of legendary coach Bob Knight. The leader of the Texas Tech program for the last seven years, Knight decided that he was simply too tired to continue coaching and turned the reins over to his son, Pat Knight, who recruited most of the current team and has been the head coach designate since 2005. Bob Knight, the winningest men's collegiate basketball coach with 902 career victories, retires with a .627 winning percentage at Texas Tech, the best mark of any coach in program history. The inconsistency of the Red Raiders likely played a role in the legend's decision to retire, as the club has alternated wins and losses in each of the last seven games. On Saturday, they did knock off Oklahoma State by a 67-60 final, seemingly the final game in the coaching career of a man both revered for his success and criticized for his controversial antics. Texas Tech is 12-8 overall and 3-3 in Big 12 action. As for Baylor, its 16-4 record marks the team's best 20-game start since 1948. Unfortunately, the last two outings for the squad have resulted in defeat, including an 80-72 setback to Texas on Saturday. Texas Tech owns a commanding 73-41 series lead over Baylor, but the Bears have won the last two games.
Martin Zeno is the only player on the Texas Tech roster that has started all 20 games this season. He is scoring 16.5 ppg to lead three double-digit scorers. John Roberson checks in with 12.7 ppg, and Alan Voskuil adds 11.9 ppg. The Red Raiders are generating 69.3 ppg while limiting opponents to 63.5 ppg. In the victory over Oklahoma State, Roberson played all 40 minutes and scored 20 points. Mike Singletary pitched in 16 points and eight rebounds, while Zeno was limited to 10 points on 2-of-10 shooting from the floor. The Red Raiders only connected on 35.2 percent of their field goal attempts, but they earned a 25-14 edge in points from the foul line and a 40-28 rebounding advantage. Strong defense was also key to the victory, as Tech held OSU to 36.4 percent shooting.
Baylor has been able to achieve tremendous offensive balance this season, as five players are averaging double figures in scoring. Curtis Jerrells is scoring 14.3 ppg, and Kevin Rogers adds 12.7 ppg and 8.0 rpg. Henry Dugat checks in with 11.8 ppg, and LaceDarius Dunn is close behind with his 11.7 ppg. Rounding out the group is Aaron Bruce, who is posting 11.0 ppg on the strength of his 43.7 percent shooting from three-point range. Baylor is scoring 80.7 ppg overall while limiting the opposition to 69.9 ppg on 40.8 percent shooting from the field. Rogers scored 20 points in the loss to Texas on Saturday, while both Jerrells and Dunn added 12 points. Unfortunately, the Bears were outrebounded and outscored from the foul line in the setback.
Pat Knight has a much different demeanor than his father, so expect a different atmosphere around the Texas Tech team from here on out. The Red Raiders will play hard for their new leader, but Baylor will likely win this game in front of the home crowd.
