Game Primer: How to Watch, Key Players and Important Information for Kansas at Texas Tech

The Kansas Jayhawks are on a two-game losing streak to open conference play, thanks to some cold shooting in the second half of both games against West Virginia and Iowa State. Today, they finish their road trip down in Lubbock as they take on the Texas Tech Lady Raiders.

The Lady Raiders are led by 4th-year head coach Krista Gerlich, who has a 53-52 record at the school. She is 2-4 against Kansas while Kansas head coach Brandon Schneider has a 7-9 record against Texas Tech.

Texas Tech leads the overall series 25-16, but Kansas has won the last four meetings between the two squads. Texas Tech is 13-7 against Kansas in Lubbock.

Before today's important matchup, here are the essentials:

The Numbers

Editor's Note: Unless otherwise noted, all stats are provided by CBB Analytics. CBB Analytics is a new stats website in college hoops, covering both men and women's basketball in D-I, D-II and D-III. You can follow them on Twitter @CBBAnalytics

Kansas: 7-6 (0-2 Big 12): CBB Analytics Adjusted Net Rating - 50th overall, 54th offense, 48th defense

Texas Tech: 12-3 (1-1 Big 12): Net Rating - 44th overall, 66th offense, 33rd defense

Line: TBD

O/U: TBD

How to Watch

Saturday, January 6th, 2:00 p.m. CST

Lubbock, TX: United Supermarkets Arena

TV: Big 12 NOW on ESPN+

- Ron Thulin (Play-by-Play), Brandi Poole (Analyst)

Radio: IMG Jayhawk Radio Network

- Steven Davis (Play-by-Play)

Webcast: Kansas Online Radio

Game Coverage

Follow along during the game for live updates on Twitter.

Come join the conversation in the Blue Wings Rising Discord Server.

Opponent Team Form

The Lady Raiders started the season with 11 straight wins, but have taken a step back as the competition has ramped up. They are a team that relies on their defense to create offense, and the stats back that up.

On the offense, they play a fairly slow style, looking to get the ball inside for high-percentage shots and mid-range jumpers. They don't shoot nearly as much as most of the rest of the Big 12, but they look to get themselves in good positions. Some clutch offensive rebounding helps with that, but they struggle at times with turnovers themselves.  

Defensively, they are really good at forcing turnovers, taking opponents out of their offense but giving up plenty of extra opportunities. They clog passing lanes and take advantage of the mayhem to take away shots.

Players to Watch

Bailey Maupin - 5'10" Sophomore Guard

15.7 pts, 4.4 rebs, 3.9 asts, 1.5 stls, 0.2 blks, 52.3% 2P%

Maupin leads the team in most statistical categories, and has combined with her fellow sophomores to lead this team. She does a bit of everything, and not only distributes the ball to her teammates well. She also can create her own shot, and Kansas will need to account for her at all times.

Jasmine Shavers - 5'9" Sophomore Guard

14.5 pts, 5.1 rebs, 1.4 asts, 1.7 stls, 83.6% FT%

Another sophomore who can score and hit the glass. She'll have a huge impact on the defensive end.

Kilah Freelon - 6'1" Sophomore Forward

9.3 pts, 6.2 rebs, 1.2 asts, 1.3 stls, 0.5 blks, 50.6% FG%

The main interior threat, she has the potential to cause problems for all of the Kansas interior players.

Matchups to Watch

Kansas needs to get inside for this game, as Texas Tech struggles once the ball gets in there. Taiyanna Jackson will need to use her size and positioning to open up passing opportunities.

The Jayhawks can't afford to let balls get stuck at the perimeter, and the passing between Zakiyah Franklin, Wyvette Mayberry and S'mya Nichols will be extra important.

Prediction

I'm worried about another fast start that turns into a disappointing second half, as it seems that this team has a hard time adjusting for whatever reason. Being on the road again, I'm worried about the confidence of this team, and think an 0-3 is likely. Hopefully this doesn't cause the team to panic down the road.

Texas Tech 69, Kansas 62.

Join the discussion! Come talk about this or any of our articles on the Blue Wing Rising Discord Server.

Follow Blue Wings Rising on Twitter.

Listen to the official podcast of Blue Wings Rising: The Rock Chalk Podcast.