Texas Tech (17-10 overall, 6-6 Big 12) comes to town tonight in a game that is bordering on “must-win” for the Longhorns. Texas (19-7, 7-3) has an absolutely brutal finishing stretch, which makes tonight’s game with the Red Raiders their best chance to secure a 20th victory during the regular season. And, for the first time all season, the Horns will be playing in front of their first home sellout.

The last time the two teams met, Texas blew out Tech in the second half and pulled away for a 76-64 victory. Coach Bob Knight had Kevin Durant double teamed for most of the night, and the freshman phenom still managed to make the Raiders pay. In addition to Durant’s 37-point, 23-rebound output, the youngster also consistently found the open man while double-teamed for easy buckets in the first half.

Starters Jon Plefka and Charlie Burgess both played with injuries for Tech, and their production seemed to suffer for it. But Jarrius Jackson gave an outstanding game, despite playing the final eight minutes with four fouls. He scored 27 points and played every minute of the game.

While Durant’s game was huge, the Horns were fortunate that Tech couldn’t find much of a groove from behind the arc. The Red Raiders are a great three-point shooting team, but only managed 31% against the Horns in Lubbock. We all know that Texas has a major problem defending the perimeter, so if Tech comes out firing, the Horns could be in a big hole early.

The Longhorns also out-rebounded the Red Raiders 43-38 in their first meeting, and it’s going to be important to once again control the glass. Texas can’t afford to allow Texas Tech a lot of second chances, because they will quickly make teams pay with their great shooters and motion offense. Those expecting an easy repeat of the road victory need to be prepared for the very real possibility that the Red Raiders will score a lot more points tonight.

Two of the biggest coaching questions in tonight’s game regard how players will be defended. Last time, Knight put at least two men on Durant almost every time he touched the ball. How does he plan on neutralizing Durant in this contest when a double-team allowed 37 points the first time? If he decides to go with the double-team again, Texas has also shown that the other four players on the floor can also be viable scoring options. Last time the two teams played, D.J. Augustin scored fourteen points, and is coming into this one averaging 21 points in his last four games.

As for Coach Barnes, will he choose to once again challenge A.J. Abrams by giving him the man assignment of their best player? Against Oklahoma State, this scheme worked to frustrate star JamesOn Curry. In this one, the key player would be Jackson. And considering that he scored 27 last time, even a poor defensive showing by Abrams couldn’t be much worse. Regardless of where he puts Abrams, expect to see the 2-3 zone when Barnes is using Dexter Pittman in the middle, and also if Durant or Augustin find themselves in foul trouble.

In the preview for the first game, I outlined the other key players for Tech. In addition to Jackson, Martin Zeno is still a big threat for Coach Knight, while Burgess is hitting threes at a 46.6% clip. While other Raiders chip in a few points each night, these three guys are the ones that the Horns need to key on. And in a worrisome wrinkle, all three are the best Tech shooters from behind the arc.

Many of the keys to tonight’s game will be the same as last time, but here’s a quick rundown for your Fat Tuesday reading pleasure…

Defend the perimeter – Tech is going to hit threes. But in most of Texas’ frustrating losses this season, the culprit has been shoddy three-point defense. The Horns need to limit the Red Raiders to a reasonable amount of points from behind the arc, and when they force a miss they need to ….

Crash the defensive glass – In reality, the Horns would love to win the rebounding margin overall. But limiting second-chance points has been killer in some crunch-time situations, and Tech is a quality shooting team that will take advantage of multiple chances per possession.

Draw fouls – Durant and Augustin are great at getting to the line, but oftentimes seem to forget to do so until the second half. A.J. Abrams would benefit from getting to the line as well, but I’m not holding my breath for that development. Last time out, the Horns had Tech’s Jackson in foul trouble. They need to once again get fouls on the key players for the Red Raiders and knock down those tries from the charity stripe.