Texas Men’s Basketball at Texas Tech (Preview)

(Via University of Texas Athletics/TexasSports.com)

Texas (22-8, 11-6 Big 12) at Texas Tech (13-17, 5-12 Big 12)

Saturday, March 8, 2014 - 3 p.m. Central
United Spirit Arena (15,000) - Lubbock, Texas

GAMEDAY QUICK FACTS

• TELEVISION: The game will be televised nationally by ESPNEWS. Mark Neely (pxp) and Rich Zvosec (analyst) will call the action.

 (Also Read: Texas Must Guard Against Further Road Struggles)

• RADIO: The Longhorn Sports Network and KVET (FM 98.1/1300AM Sportsradio the Zone) broadcast every UT game on the statewide network. Craig Way (pxp) and Eddie Oran (analyst) will call the action. Check www.TexasSports.com for a listing of affiliates carrying the game.

• SERIES: Texas leads, 79-53. Last meeting: Texas 67-64 (Jan. 11, 2014; Austin, Texas)

NOTABLES

• DEFENSE AND REBOUNDING
The Longhorns held TCU to 25.9% FG shooting during Wednesday's home win, including a 19.4% (6-of-31) mark in the second half. Texas improved to 18-0 this season when holding its opponent below 40% FG shooting. UT also recorded a +16 rebound margin (48-32) against TCU. The Horns have outrebounded 24 of their first 30 opponents and posted double-digit rebound margins in 11 of the 30 contests.

• RIDLEY ON A ROLL

Sophomore center Cameron Ridley enters Saturday's contest with a streak of three consecutive double-doubles. Ridley posted 14 points and 10 boards in 27 minutes during Wednesday's win against TCU. In the last three contests, Ridley is averaging 17.7 points and 11.3 rebounds per game while converting 20-of-34 (.588) field goals.

• LAMMERT SEES DOUBLE

Sophomore forward Connor Lammert recorded his first collegiate double-double with 10 points and a career-high 13 rebounds to go along with two assists and two blocks in 30 minutes during Wednesday's victory against TCU. Lammert reached double figures in scoring for the fifth time this year and first since Jan. 8 at Oklahoma State (span of 15 games).
TEXAS VS. TEXAS TECH                                      

• Saturday's contest marks the 133rd meeting between Texas and Texas Tech.
• The Longhorns hold a 79-53 lead in the all-time series that dates back to a 48-28 Texas victory in Austin on Dec. 15, 1939.
• Texas has won 18 of the last 19 games against Tech, including 11 straight. Six of the last eight games have been double-digit wins for UT, including a 31-point victory on Jan. 11, 2011 in Lubbock.
• Texas is 34-4 against the Red Raiders since the Big 12 began in 1996-97. UT's longest winning streak in the series (13 games) came during the Big 12 era from 1998-2003.
• Texas is 30-3 against Texas Tech under Rick Barnes.
• Texas improved to 6-3 in overtime games against Tech with a 71-69 win in Lubbock on March 9, 2013.

BUILDING A SOLID RESUME

The Longhorns have posted a 5-4 record against AP Top 25 opponents this year. UT's resume includes road wins against No. 14 North Carolina (86-83) and No. 24 Baylor (74-60) and home victories against No. 8 Iowa State (86-76), No. 22 Kansas State (67-64) and No. 6 Kansas (81-69). Texas owns a 6-6 record in away/neutral-site games this season.

NIGHT AND DAY

Through 30 games last year, the Longhorns had posted a 14-16 overall record, including a 6-11 mark in Big 12 Conference play. This season, the Horns are off to a 22-8 start, including an 11-6 mark in league play.

LONE STAR STATE SUCCESS

Since Rick Barnes arrived in Austin prior to the 1998-99 season, the Longhorns have emerged as the dominant college basketball program in the state of Texas. The Horns have posted a 140-19 (.881) record against in-state foes during the Barnes era entering Saturday's game, including marks of 29-7 against Baylor, 30-3 against Texas Tech, 23-7 against Texas A&M and 6-0 against TCU.

HORNS RECORD WIN No. 16 AT HOME THIS YEAR

With a 66-54 win on Wednesday night against TCU, the Longhorns finished the 2013-14 home campaign with a 16-2 mark. The 16 victories are one shy of the school single-season record for most home wins (17-1 in 2007-08) and tied for the second-most number of home wins in a season (16-1 in 2000-01, 16-1 in 2005-06, 16-2 in 2010-11). Texas was also a dominant team at home in Big 12 play this year, recording a 8-1 mark at the Erwin Center against league foes. This mark includes victories against No. 8/10 Iowa State (86-76), No. 22/rv Kansas State (67-64) and No. 6/7 Kansas (81-69).