Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Utah Runnin’ Utes Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Texas Tech vs Utah NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Salt Lake City.

Texas Tech vs Utah Prediction

Planning on watching today's Red Raiders and Runnin' Utes game? Catch the action at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, UT, as the Runnin' Utes hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. Texas Tech come into this Big 12 conference matchup as the -2.5 favorite. The over/under line currently sits at 154.5 points.

Texas Tech vs. Utah Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Texas Tech Red Raiders at Utah Runnin' Utes
Where: Salt Lake City at Jon M. Huntsman Center
Date: Saturday, January 4th
Betting Odds TXTECH -2.5, TXTECH -146 | UTAH +119 O/U 154.5

Red Raiders Preview: Can the Red Raiders Offense Score Enough in Salt Lake City?

Texas Tech Red Raiders Recent Game/Games

The Red Raiders dropped to 9-3 on the season after an 87-83 home loss to UCF on Tuesday. Texas Tech entered the game as -13.5 favorites but failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 47-41 at halftime, Texas Tech outscored UCF 42-40 in the second half but couldn’t complete the comeback. The game’s total points of 170 exceeded the over/under line of 146.5.

Red Raiders Offense Breakdown

Texas Tech put up 83 points in their last game, shooting 45.8% from the field. They struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 18.8% of their threes, but connected on 53.6% of their two-point attempts. At the free-throw line, they shot 77.8%, going 14-for-18.

JT Toppin led the way with 26 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 57.9% from the field. Darius Johnson added 24 points, hitting 2 of 3 from deep, while Keyshawn Hall was perfect from three, making all 4 of his attempts and finishing with 22 points and 8 rebounds.

Red Raiders Team Defense

Texas Tech's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 87 points while allowing the opposition to shoot 45% from the field. The Red Raiders gave up 30 two-point baskets on 56 attempts, a 53% success rate for their opponents.

From beyond the arc, Texas Tech's defense held the other team to just 3 three-pointers on 16 attempts, an 18% shooting performance. However, they sent the opposition to the free-throw line 18 times, where they converted 14 shots for 77%.

Runnin' Utes Preview: Taking a Look at the Runnin' Utes Chances at Home

Utah Runnin' Utes Recent Game/Games

The Utes fell to 8-4 on the season after an 81-56 road loss to Baylor on Tuesday. Utah entered the game as +11.5 point underdogs but failed to cover the spread.

Utah struggled offensively in the first half, scoring just 17 points while allowing 37. Although they improved in the second half, scoring 39 points, they still allowed 44 points to Baylor. The game’s total points of 137 fell short of the 152.5 O/U line.

Runnin' Utes Offense Breakdown

Utah's offense struggled in their last game, putting up just 56 points on 31.8% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 36.4%, and they hit only 23.3% from beyond the arc, connecting on 7 of 30 attempts. Free-throw shooting was also an issue, as they made just 7 of 13, hitting 53.8% from the line.

VJ Edgecombe led the way with 19 points, shooting 60% overall and 50% from three. Hunter Erickson also shot 71.4% from the field, hitting 3 of 4 from deep. Norchad Omier contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 71.4% as well.

Runnin' Utes Team Defense

Utah’s defense gave up 81 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 40% from the field, hitting 28 of their 69 attempts. Inside the arc, they connected on 19 of 37 shots, good for 51%.

From three-point range, Utah allowed 9 made threes on 32 attempts, a 28% shooting performance. The other team also went to the free-throw line 18 times, making 16 of those for 88%. Utah gave up 14 offensive rebounds.

Red Raiders vs Runnin' Utes Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Through their last three road contests, the Red Raiders offense has averaged 67 points per game while allowing an average of 70. Texas Tech posted an overall record of 1-2 while going 1-2 ATS.
Through their last ten home contests, the Runnin' Utes offense has averaged 72 points per game while allowing an average of 79. Utah posted an overall record of 2-8 while going 4-6 ATS.
In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Runnin' Utes have a straight up record of 0-5 and an ATS mark of 1-4.
As the betting favorite, the Red Raiders have an ATS record of 3-2 in their last five games. In these matchups their, straight up record was 3-2.