Game Info
Good Guys: Texas Tech Red Raiders (0-0, 0-0)
Bad Guys: Jackson State Tigers (0-0, 0-0)
When to Watch: Monday, November 2nd @ 6:00 pm
Where to Watch: United Supermarkets Arena | Lubbock, Texas
How to Watch: CBSSN
How to Listen: 97.3 FM | Affiliates | Varsity Network
The Line: Texas Tech -34.5
Advanced Stats
Lineups
| THE STARTERS | Pts / Reb | |
|---|---|---|
| POINT GUARD | Cruz Davis (6-3/185) | – / – |
| SHOOTING GUARD | Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (6-1/185) | – / – |
| SMALL FORWARD | Donovan Atwell (6-5/200) | – / – |
| POWER FORWARD | Darrion Williams (6-6/225) | – / – |
| CENTER | Bassala Bagayoko (6-10/210) | – / – |
| THE BENCH | Pts / Reb | |
| SIXTH MAN | Damarion Dennis (6-1/170) | – / – |
| SEVENTH MAN | Josiah Moseley (6-8/230) | – / – |
| EIGHTH MAN | DaKari Spear (6-5/195) | – / – |
| NINTH MAN | Jamichael Stillwell (6-8/245) | – / – |
| TENTH MAN | Marial Akuentok (6-11/240) | – / – |
| ELEVENTH MAN | LaTrell Hoover (6-11/240) | – / – |
| TWELFTH MAN | Amari Barrett (6-4/180) | – / – |
| THIRTEENTH MAN | Trey Hall (6-6/215) | – / – |
| FOURTEENTH MAN | JT Toppin (6-9/230) | – / – |
| THE STARTERS | Pts / Reb | |
| POINT GUARD | – (-/-) | – / – |
| SHOOTING GUARD | – (-/-) | – / – |
| SMALL FORWARD | – (-/-) | – / – |
| POWER FORWARD | – (-/-) | – / – |
| CENTER | – (-/-) | – / – |
| THE BENCH | Pts / Reb | |
| SIXTH MAN | – (-/-) | – / – |
| SEVENTH MAN | – (-/-) | – / – |
| EIGHTH MAN | – (-/-) | – / – |
| NINTH MAN | – (-/-) | 1.7 / 1.7 |
| TENTH MAN | – (-/-) | – / – |
* Assists.
Starting 5
1. Stats. We’re not going to get into Jackson State very much. Statistically, Texas Tech is starting out pretty high up and that’s largely a result of an offense that looks to be pretty high-end. Adding in an Atwell who we thought was gone along with Williams for LeJuan Watts is an immediately upgrade at the power forward position offensively. There are downgrades in terms of talent, but also more depth from what I can tell.
2. Scouting. Last year, Christian Anderson and Jaylen Petty made up the backcourt and there wasn’t much else after that. This year, I think there are at least 3 options, maybe 4. The two starters in Cruz Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn are going to be solid, while Damarion Dennis is going to be better than maybe expected gives you 3 guards as part of the rotation. DaKari Spear could be the 4th option that will not be afraid to shoot and afraid to be part of this offense. Although, to be honest, I sort of see Spear as a backup to Atwell.
In the frontcourt, Williams and Bagayoko will be good and Bagayoko was a suprise from the Kentucky scrimmage. I liked what I saw and he’s no JT Toppin, but he’s going to be a solid part. The return of Williams will help the offense as well, when there was no one to run the offense after Anderson was out, there will be multiple options this year. Now add in Moseley as frontcourt depth and I am sure that Stillwell will be eligible at some point.
3. How They Match Up. I don’t know anything about Jackson State, but my favorite basketball statistical website, T-Rank, says that the Tigers will be led by their backcourt. Daeshun Ruffin is a point guard who will fill it up offensively and Dorian McMillian will also likely be a double-digit scorer for the Tigers and Mike Williams, another guard, will be a big part of the offense. If you’re looking for a big man, maybe Nikk Williams and Raevon Thomas are names to watch.
4. lagniappe | something given as a bonus or extra gift.
Texas Tech basketball: Tech set to open season at 6 p.m. on Monday against Jackson State
There’s a stoic philosophy from Seneca that states, “True happiness is to enjoy the present”. When committed, it can help free you from worries about the past and future. You’re in the moment, focused on what matters – not dwelling on the past or being consumed by the future. Throughout Big 12 Media Day in Kansas City, Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland talked to national media about the upcoming season and his roster. Two players on this year’s squad, who were back in Lubbock at the time – probably on the court putting up shots – kept coming up when he talked about what he loved most about his team. Cruz Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn. “We’re getting them at the right time,” he said. “They’re not trying to prove themselves. They’re playing to win.”
5. Official Site. The official site has their preview right here:
No. 19 Texas Tech is set to open the 102nd season in program history with a five-game homestand, starting against Jackson State at 6 p.m. on Monday at United Supermarkets Arena. The Red Raiders enter the season on a 46-game non-conference home winning streak and are 23-0 under head coach Grant McCasland in those games.
“We’re excited about getting to play on Monday against a great Jackson State team,” McCasland said. “It’s wild that we’re here and playing games and getting to compete here in the USA. We’re excited and ready to play somebody else. I love our team and am excited about this game. “This team is ready to take the step of playing meaningful games. That’s where Monday night will be great. We’ve watched Jackson State on film and they have good guard play and athleticism.”