The No. 11 Texas Tech Red Raiders (10-1) put their 10-game winning streak on the line when they square off with the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (8-6) at United Supermarkets Arena. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 28, 2018.
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros at Texas Tech Red Raiders ATS Prediction
The Vaqueros come in on a high note after beating the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions in their last game, 91-84. UT Rio Grande Valley’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Texas A&M-Commerce. The Vaqueros had a rate of 6.5, while the Lions posted a mark of 21.6. Terry Winn III played well for UT Rio Grande Valley, contributing 18 points and six rebounds.
The last time the Red Raiders were in action, they won big over the UIW Cardinals, 87-37. The Red Raiders had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.675 vs. 0.286) and had a much better turnover percentage (18.2 vs. 34.6). Jarrett Culver was the game’s high scorer with 16 points on 6-for-10 shooting from the field.
Texas Tech could have their way on defense as they face off against one of the country’s worst offenses. The Red Raiders rank first in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.375), while UT Rio Grande Valley is 345th in effective field goal percentage (0.431). Additionally, the Vaqueros, who rank 52nd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.286), will go head-to-head against the Red Raiders, who rank 256th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.254).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Lesley Varner II (0 points) has been great for the Vaqueros while Culver (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Red Raiders.
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Texas Tech, O/U – Under
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Texas Tech ranks 26th in rebounds allowed per game (30.6) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 244th (41.9).
The Red Raiders rank first in assists allowed per game (8.3) while the Vaqueros rank 104th (12.9).
Texas Tech ranks 22nd in blocks per game (5.2) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 112th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
The Vaqueros average 9.6 steals per game, which ranks eighth in the NCAA. The Red Raiders rank 81st in steals allowed per game (6.3).
UT Rio Grande Valley is 11th in the country with 17.7 three pointers allowed per game while Texas Tech is 56th with 20.4 three pointers allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Vaqueros have outscored opponents by an average of 1.4 points in their last five games. For the season, UT Rio Grande Valley has lost by an average of 0.2 points.
During their last five games, the Red Raiders have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 48.8 points per game (4.0 below their season average).
+++++
