SF Austin vs Texas Tech 3/15/18 - College Basketball Picks & Predictions

By: Admin |

Last Updated: 08/21/2019 at 12:19 PM ET

Stephen F. Austin pulled an NCAA tournament stunner two years ago by knocking off West Virginia in the first round. The Lumberjacks were a surprise winner of the Southland Conference tournament this season but will look to recapture some of that old magic in their opening round tilt with Texas Tech of the Big 12. The Red Raiders struggled down the stretch, experiencing a late four-game losing streak in late February as leading scorer Keenan Evans battled an injury. They lost to West Virginia in the semifinals of the Big 12 tournament and will aim to regroup in the Big Dance.

SF Austin averaged 81 ppg this season and allowed 68.8 ppg. Shannon Bogues leads the squad with 15.4 ppg while Kevon Harris adds 14.6 ppg and 5.4 rpg. T.J. Holyfield chips in 13 ppg and 6.4 rpg. The Lumberjacks hang their hat on defense, specifically leading the nation in turnovers forced (26.4 pct. of opponent's possessions). They were 67th in adjusted defensive efficiency, holding teams to 47 percent on 2-pointers. SFA was 177th on offensive efficiency.
Evans led Texas Tech with 17.5 ppg and shoot 47 percent from the field. Jarrett Culver (11.7 ppg) and Zhaire Smith (11.2 ppg) are solid complementary pieces. The Red Raiders score 75.2 ppg and allow 64.7 ppg. They follow a similar formula, ranking third in defensive efficiency. They are 13th in effective field goal percentage defense and 16th in turnovers forced (22 percent of possessions). They hold teams to 45 percent on 2s.

Think Texas Tech is over seeded by at least one spot as the Red Raiders late season swoon was forgiven due to injuries. But we are not as forgiving as even once healthy the Red Raiders did not look great in last 3 games. Dangerous SF Austin team that is accustomed to being underdog in tournament. Final Score Prediction, Texas Tech Red Raiders win but fall short ATS 75-69.

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