I’ve got to hit the road to make it to Lubbock in time for tip-off, so this game preview will likely be a short one. Of course, most previews for re-matches with teams from the Big 12 usually get short shrift, as the detailed player write-ups are done the first time around. So, true to form, I shall link you to the first Texas Tech preview, which gives an in-depth look at the Red Raiders.

The first time these two teams met, Texas absolutely destroyed the Techsters, 73-47. The Longhorns were led by strong guard play by A.J. Abrams and D.J. Augustin, who combined to score 36 points. Texas also dominated on the glass in the first ballgame, outrebounding the Red Raiders by eleven.

The Pat Knight era

The biggest difference between last game and this one is the face of the man at the head of the bench. Bob Knight retired just days before Tech played Baylor, leaving the destruction in Austin as his last career loss. Since then, son Pat Knight has led the team to a shaky 3-4 record, sinking the team into the muddied pack in the middle of the conference.

Of those three wins, the most impressive was an absolute dismantling of Kansas State in Lubbock. Tech led by more than 20 in the second half, but let the Wildcats crawl back into it before finishing them off by an 84-75 count. The Red Raiders were led by Alan Voskuil, who went 5-for-6 from long range and scored a career-high 30 points. He was almost the entire Tech offense that night, as his seven-minute scoreless stretch in the second half also coincided with the Red Raiders making only three buckets over the same span.

Unless Texas lets Voskuil light them up for 30-plus points today, there shouldn’t be too much to be worried about. But history has shown that the Red Raiders can always jump up and bite teams when playing in the United Spirit Arena, so Rick Barnes and his team can’t be caught buying too much into their own glowing pub.

What to watch for

Control the fouls – The slashing style of play that Tech utilizes can result in a ton of free throws for the Red Raiders and can put key Longhorn players on the bench. Texas seemed to handle it pretty well the first time around, but today they still have to be careful not to hack at the driving guards.

Dominate the glass – As previously mentioned, Texas won the rebounding battle in the first game by a 38-27 tally. If the Longhorns can again dominate on the boards, it will limit the Tech possessions, something which will absolutely kill the chances of upset. Tech is not an efficient offensive team, so if the Longhorns prevent possessions with multiple looks they should be fine.

Turn up the pressure – It might seem ridiculous to say this after the Longhorns have shown such incredible defensive work the last few weeks, but they can’t afford to let up this afternoon. Texas Tech is prone to turnovers, as demonstrated by their shaky ball-handling in Austin and in the loss to K-State. The Longhorns can further limit Red Raider possessions by turning them over, and may even jump-start the transition game.