Arizona Wildcats vs Texas Tech Red Raiders Picks and Predictions February 8th 2025

No. 13 Texas Tech Looks to Complete Season Sweep at No. 20 Arizona

A pivotal Big 12 clash takes center stage on Saturday night as No. 13 Texas Tech visits No. 20 Arizona in Tucson. The Red Raiders are chasing their eighth consecutive victory and aiming for a regular-season sweep of the Wildcats, while Arizona looks to avenge its earlier loss and extend its own five-game winning streak.

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Texas Tech Riding Defensive Dominance

The Red Raiders (18-4, 9-2 Big 12) are off to their best conference start in program history, fueled by a gritty defensive identity that has allowed them to separate from opponents in key moments. Texas Tech is holding teams to just 65.1 points per game, which ranks fourth in the Big 12.

That defensive intensity was on full display in the first meeting against Arizona on Jan. 18, when Texas Tech held the Wildcats to a season-low 54 points. Arizona went scoreless for the final 5:16, missing its last 10 shot attempts, including nine from beyond the arc.

Following a 73-59 victory over Baylor on Tuesday, head coach Grant McCasland praised his team’s ability to close out games.

“I just love the grit of this team,” McCasland said. “We keep finding a way to separate when it matters. We got great team defensive possessions. We can still improve a lot, but I love seeing our team play together and for each other.”

Texas Tech is also the only remaining undefeated Big 12 team on the road (5-0), making them a dangerous opponent in Tucson.

Arizona on a Redemption Run

The Wildcats (16-6, 10-1 Big 12) have been a different team since their loss in Lubbock, rattling off five straight victories to climb into a first-place tie with Houston atop the Big 12 standings.

Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd isn’t dwelling on the first meeting, believing his team was in striking distance before faltering late.

“Hey, we were right there,” Lloyd said. “I mean with five minutes to go it’s a five-point game. Playing in a tough conference, you play on the road, you’re going to have some days like that.”

One of the biggest reasons for Arizona’s resurgence has been Caleb Love’s improved shooting. The senior guard struggled against Texas Tech, going 0-for-5 from three, but since then, he has found his rhythm, hitting 42.2% (19-of-45) from deep over the last five games.

Love, the reigning Big 12 Player of the Week, leads Arizona in scoring at 16.3 points per game.

“I’m really proud of these guys for how they’ve responded (after the loss to Texas Tech),” Lloyd added. “But … we got a big game on Saturday, so there’s no let-up.”

Key Players to Watch

Texas Tech

JT Toppin (F, 6’9”) – Had a dominant 20-point, 16-rebound performance in the first meeting vs. Arizona. Ranks second in the Big 12 in field goal percentage (55.3%) and fourth in rebounding (8.4 RPG).
Chance McMillian (G, 6’3”) – Leads the Big 12 in three-point shooting (45.5%), a key weapon for the Red Raiders’ offense.
Elijah Hawkins (G, 5’11”) – The conference leader in assists per game (6.1), helping orchestrate Texas Tech’s offense.

Arizona

Caleb Love (G, 6’4”) – The team’s leading scorer (16.3 PPG), looking to redeem himself after struggling in the first meeting.
Jaden Bradley (G, 6’3”) – Scored 17 points—all in the second half—in Arizona’s recent 85-74 win over BYU. Averaging 11.7 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.
Tobe Awaka (F, 6’10”) – Arizona’s best rebounder (7.9 RPG), will be tasked with battling Toppin inside.

Can Texas Tech Complete the Sweep?

Defensive Edge – The Red Raiders’ defense was suffocating in the first meeting, and they’ll need to replicate that effort to slow down Arizona’s high-powered offense (Big 12-leading 82.9 PPG).
Road Success – Texas Tech has been unbeaten on the road in conference play, a trend they’ll look to continue in a tough environment.
Arizona’s Shooting – If Love and Bradley continue their hot shooting, Arizona could flip the script from their earlier struggles against Tech’s defense.

This matchup features two of the hottest teams in the Big 12, and with both chasing conference supremacy, expect a battle that could come down to the final possessions. Can Texas Tech once again impose its defensive will, or will Arizona’s offensive resurgence power the Wildcats to revenge?