On the Hardwood
The Lady Raiders defeated No. 15 Baylor yesterday afternoon, a heck of a game, one that was sealed by two Bailey Maupin free throws at the end of the game and some last second defense as well. This was a really even and tough defensive game. Texas Tech made just 39% of their buckets and Baylor 37%, with 18 turnovers from Texas Tech and 21 from Baylor. Snudda Collins led the way with 21 points on 6 of 12 from the field and Maupin scored 11. As an aside, T-Rank has the Lady Raiders at No. 20 overall and to remind you, this ranking is purely mathematical and is to confirm that this is in fact a good team, which is something that I think we’ve all hoped for, but maybe wanted ad bit more proof. Also, T-Rank thinks that the Lady Raiders will finish 27-4 for the year. Now you have that proof. The Lady Raiders have a bit of a break and will not be back until they host UCF on December 31st at 6:00 p.m.
If you would like to re-live Saturday night’s big win for Texas Tech over Duke at MSG by two talented national writers, then and CBS Sports’ Isaac Trotter have you covered.
CBS Sports’ Kyle Boone with his projection of this week’s top 25 and thinks Texas Tech will rise to No. 15.
On the Gridiron
I’m in a bit of a quandary. I have sort of told myself that I’m going to do what I’ve done the entire year, but this is a bit of a wonky set-up in terms of when Oregon and Texas Tech play and there being a break for the holiday. As you probably are aware, Oregon and Texas Tech will play on January 1st at 11:00 a.m. at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The early line has Oregon favored by -1.5. I’m going to do The Assignment and The Report, but don’t know the timing of everything other than The Report will be posted on December 31st.
CBS Sports’ Carter Bahns on what now appears to be a healthy wide receiver group for Oregon:
None of the Ducks’ top three wide receivers played in a full capacity, but the offense still racked up 313 yards through the air and rattled off an inordinate number of explosive plays. With Malik Benson (119 yards, two touchdowns) and Jeremiah McClellan (83 yards, one touchdown) rising to the occasion, the Oregon passing game excelled against a clearly overmatched Dukes defense.
The Ducks’ wide receiver group is getting closer to full strength, though. This high-octane offense will soon boast its complete arsenal, and that should terrify the rest of the CFP field.
Standout freshman Dakorien Moore missed the final four games of the regular season after hurting his knee in practice. He was back in the lineup against the Dukes, made a 5-yard catch early in the second quarter and shook some rust off for what Oregon hopes is a lengthy playoff run.
CBS Sports’ Will Backus on overreactions from this past weekend’s playoff games, including the thought that Texas Tech is poised to go on a run.
CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli on not blaming the teams who didn’t belong in the playoff, but people in charge of the sport who have gotten us to where we are today and ultimately it will end in a super league of Big Ten, SEC and other castoffs from the Big 12 and ACC.