5 Things to Know Before WVU vs. Texas Tech in Big 12 Tournament

West Virginia and Texas Tech will matchup in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament on Wednesday night in Kansas City. Let’s take a look at five things to know before the game.

Rubber Match

West Virginia and Texas Tech will be playing in their third game this season against each other, with the season series tied at one. WVU won in Lubbock by 15 back on Jan. 25, while Texas Tech won in Morgantown on Feb. 18.

In the first matchup, West Virginia’s bench showed out. Seth Wilson and James Okonkwo had breakout games that helped build momentum for WVU’s first Big 12 road win in nearly two years. Texas Tech was down eight in the second half during the matchup in Morgantown, but scored 42 points in the paint to safely secure the win.

Texas Tech Without HC Mark Adams

On Sunday morning, Texas Tech head coach Mark Adams was suspended for racially insensitive comments towards a player. Adams will not be coaching in the Big 12 Tournament and probably won’t be for the rest of the season.

TTU has placed Corey Williams as the interim head coach.

It’ll be interesting to see how Texas Tech’s players react to the news on the floor. Will they play more freely or will they be burnt out and ready to end the season?

West Virginia Playing Best Ball, Should be Safe for Bid

West Virginia is currently playing their best basketball all season, going 3-1 in their last four games. The Mountaineers’ only loss in the last two weeks was to Kansas by one basket at Allen Fieldhouse.

WVU’s fifth-year seniors Erik Stevenson, Kedrian Johnson and Emmitt Matthews have all stepped up their games, as they know that their time is running out.

As of Wednesday morning, West Virginia is projected a 9-seed, according to ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi. Lunardi has the Mountaineers in Birmingham playing Illinois in the first round with the winner most likely facing 1-seed Alabama.

Even with a loss on Wednesday, WVU’s tournament hopes should be comfortable.

Betting Lines

The spread for the West Virginia-Texas Tech game is WVU -2. The over/under is set at 146.

Where to Watch

West Virginia and Texas Tech will tip off at 7 p.m. inside the T-Mobile Center on Wednesday. The Mountaineers and Red Raiders will be on ESPNU.