Kansas Jayhawks Basketball Predictions: Texas Tech Red Raiders

It’s the final game of the regular season, as the Kansas Jayhawks travel to Lubbock, TX to take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Texas Tech needs a win to shore up a suddenly shaky tournament resume. The Jayhawks likely need to win to ensure they receive the overall #1 see in the NCAA tournament. Who gets the big win they need heading into the Big 12 tournament?

Take a look at what our staff thinks, and then leave your own prediction in the comments below.

David: Kansas is certainly capable of going in the road and beating Tech, but with at least a share of the conference title wrapped up, and a Tech team surely looking to make a statement after some recent poor play, I can see this one going south. Tech’s offensive efficiency in Big 12 play is second only to KU’s, and Beard still has them playing tough defense. I’ll take Tech in a close, ugly game. Texas Tech 70, Kansas 67

Fizzle406: Doke isn’t 100% and Tech has #Motivation. I say Tech in a close one. Texas tech 70, Kansas 65

dnoll5: I don’t care about this game and the sentiment among KU fans is probably similar. Anyway, I think KU wants to win the league outright and Tech is playing for a good seed, so it’ll probably be a good game for some reason. I’ll say KU tries and wins. Plus, this will be the last player ratings post for a while as I’ll be out of town for the entire Big XII exhibition tournament and the first two rounds of the big dance, so let’s SAVOR it. Kansas 67, Tech 66.

Kyle_Davis21: I’m torn here, because Kansas is not 100% and Tech is still playing for its tournament life, but this is one of the most mentally competitive Kansas teams in recent memory and they don’t lose these types of games. Desperate tournament teams are dangerous, so I’m going to pick Tech in a tight one. Texas Tech 70, Kansas 68

Andy Mitts: This one is so tough to pick, given that Kansas has already clinched a share of the conference title and Baylor will be at halftime with West Virginia before this tips off. Bill Self is very competitive, and I doubt he is satisfied with sharing the title. I think there is a good chance we see the bench players playing significant minutes, but Kansas will give it a legitimate effort. Kansas 68, Texas Tech 66.

Mike.Plank: I hope Andy is right in terms of personnel, but I think Kyle is more right. Bill Self’s competitiveness - and that of his players - means we probably won’t see of much guys like Silvio, Enaruna, and McCormack. They’ll play to win (not that the backups wouldn’t, but you know what I mean), and as long as Tech doesn’t go all TCU on us, Kansas should pull this one out. Kansas 80, Texas Tech 74.