PHOENIX – Arizona State men’s basketball travels to Lubbock to face off against No. 12 Texas Tech. Before the loss to No. 20 Arizona, the Red Raiders had won seven straight, becoming a powerhouse in the Big 12. The program hasn’t lost by double digits all season. Its ability to not fall behind big in the game allows Texas Tech’s fiery offense to take over in late-game situations.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Wednesday’s matchup for the Sun Devils will be one of their hardest challenges this season, guarding this 18-5 Red Raiders lineup. However, ASU can take advantage of the interior game, which has been a struggle for Texas Tech in its five losses.
Feb 4, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears forward Norchad Omier (15) drives the ball against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Federiko Federiko (33) in the second half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn ImagesIn Texas Tech’s five losses, it has allowed 34.4 paint points, with the last two instances allowing 49.5 paint points. The Red Raiders struggle to protect the interior and the rim. They ranked 15th in the Big 12 in blocks per game, not possessing any serious rim protectors on the roster. Sophomore JT Toppin is the program’s best option at only 6’9 with just over one block a game.
ASU possesses two athletic rim-running centers in junior Shawn Phillips Jr. and freshman Jayden Quaintance that’ll give Texas Tech problems. The lack of rim protection has forced the Red Raiders to get undisciplined when opponents drive to the hoop. In the five losses, Texas Tech has allowed 23.2 free throw attempts.
The Red Raiders overcompensate when the opposing team provides rim pressure, leading to those foul calls. ASU not only has big men that can provide that pressure in Phillips Jr. and Quaintance, but also an array of dynamic guard play that creates separation when driving to the basket.
Jan 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard BJ Freeman (10) puts up a layup against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Senior guards like BJ Freeman, Adam Miller, and Alston Mason’s ability to absorb the contact at the rim will be the key to ASU’s game plan for Wednesday. Freeman and Miller are expected to return to the lineup after a one-game absence, which will be an immense boost to the Sun Devils’ offense.
ASU has lost eight of its last 10 games, with no wins in the month of February. It doesn’t get easier against this Texas Tech squad, but the blueprint is there for the program to bounce back in a major way against a ranked opponent.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
