BYU Looks To Get Back On Track At Home Against Texas Tech
Jan 6, 2025, 11:33 PM | Updated: Jan 8, 2025, 11:06 am
PROVO, Utah – BYU basketball hosts Texas Tech in a Quad One showdown at the Marriott Center.
It’s the first time the Red Raiders are playing at the Marriott Center since December 17, 1993. That’s the last time BYU defeated Texas Tech.
THIS WEEK pic.twitter.com/GNKrAeTqnR
— BYU Men's Basketball (@BYUMBB) January 6, 2025
Last season, Tech defeated BYU in Lubbock and the Quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City.
Both teams come into this matchup with 10-3 overall records and 1-1 marks in Big 12 play.
A win for either would give them a coveted Quad One victory on their NCAA Tournament resumes.
BYU vs. Texas Tech: How To Watch, Listen
Date: Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Tip-Off: 7 p.m. (MST) / 8 p.m. (CST)
TV/Stream: ESPN+
Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM)
Audio Stream: KSL NewsRadio app
BYU is looking for another bounce-back performance
BYU is 2-0 in games played after losses this season. They will look for a third victory in such a spot after suffering an 86-55 setback over the weekend.
The quick turnaround, which includes no Sunday activities and a game on Tuesday, is what BYU wants after a rough outing against Houston.
“Anytime you get your butt kicked as bad as we did in that game, I think everybody is just chomping at the bit to go right those wrongs,” said BYU head coach Kevin Young. “The best thing about that is the fact that we play [Tuesday]. There’s really no other way to say it. So there’s no good remedy to a butt-kicking like that other than being able to go out and compete again. I know every guy in our locker room, regardless of experience, is eager for that opportunity.”
BYU basketball personnel notes
BYU’s starting guard line of Egor Demin and Dallin Hall has struggled as of late.
Demin had another seven-assist game at Houston but ended up with a season-low in scoring with three points. Hall didn’t attempt a shot from inside the arc, finishing with seven points and three turnovers.
BYU coach Kevin Young wants to see improved play from his star guards.
“I think they both need to play better, period. I’ve talked to them about that. They know that they want to play better. I think it’s just a matter of finding their spots. I don’t think it necessarily has much to do with them being on the floor together at the same time. I think it’s a lot of newness for Dallin across the board. … And I think Egor is still just figuring things out in terms of coverages, physicality, and how teams are going to play them. I really want both of them to just go out and play. Don’t think, play. And let their instincts rule the day because they’re both very good players in terms of their instincts and their feel for the game.”
Getting to know the Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech is a completely different style of team than what BYU faced at Houston. The Red Raiders, like BYU, are known for their offense.
Tech is the national leader in effective field goal percentage, at 59.5%. They are also 12th in scoring offense (86.5 ppg) and 13th in three-point percentage (39.7%). Grant McCasland’s squad, which defeated BYU twice last season, can score.
“This will be the best offensive team we’ve played to date,” said Kevin Young. “I think it’s a mix of really good talent and then their coach does a really good job of keeping them organized offensively. They space the floor really well.”
While BYU had to travel to Provo from Houston over the weekend, the Red Raiders have been in the Utah Valley since Friday. They defeated Utah Saturday night at the Huntsman Center, 93-65, days after suffering a surprising home loss to UCF in Lubbock to open Big 12 play.
📍 On site pic.twitter.com/IUC02OqQNM
— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) January 7, 2025
On Sunday, Tech practiced at the Utah Jazz practice facility.
Key players to watch for Tech include 6-foot-6 forward Darrion Williams, New Mexico transfer J.T. Toppin, and Pitt transfer Federiko Federiko off the bench.
BYU vs. Texas Tech: By The Numbers
BYU (10-3, 1-1 Big 12)
NET: 47
KenPom: 39
BPI: 35
Bart Torvik: 31
Home Record: 8-0
Leading Scorer: Richie Saunders (13.5)
Top Rebounder: Keba Keita (8.4)
Assists Leader: Egor Demin (6.0)
Scoring Offense: 82.5
Scoring Defense: 65.7
Texas Tech (10-3, 1-1 Big 12)
NET: 21
KenPom: 14
BPI: 18
Bart Torvik: 18
Road Record: 1-0
Leading Scorer: JT Toppin (18.6)
Top Rebounder: JT Toppin (10.1)
Assists Leader: Elijah Hawkins (5.5)
Scoring Offense: 86.5
Scoring Defense: 65.2
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.
