Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Baylor Bears Picks and Predictions March 13th 2025

Baylor and Texas Tech Face Off in Big 12 Quarterfinals

With a spot in the Big 12 semifinals on the line, Baylor and Texas Tech are set for a high-stakes battle Thursday night in Kansas City. While second-seeded Texas Tech aims for a season sweep, seventh-seeded Baylor is looking to even the score and build on its strong second-round performance.

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Texas Tech Riding Momentum into Big 12 Tournament

The Red Raiders (24-7) enter the tournament ranked No. 9 in the nation and are fresh off a double bye, a privilege reserved for the top four teams in the Big 12 standings. They ended the regular season on a three-game winning streak, with two of those victories coming on the road.

Their most recent outing was a dominant 85-57 victory at Arizona State, a game in which Big 12 Player of the Year JT Toppin showcased his talent once again. Toppin posted 25 points and 11 rebounds, securing his 14th double-double of the season. Christian Anderson contributed 21 points off the bench, and Kerwin Walton added 11 as Texas Tech knocked down 12 three-pointers to cruise to victory.

Head coach Grant McCasland has praised his team’s chemistry and resilience, noting how they’ve embraced the challenges of the season.

“These guys really enjoy being around each other every day,” McCasland said. “It’s real. There’s a lot of pressure on them for different reasons. There’s a lot of strain. There’s a bond to this that makes college basketball great. I think this team embraces that.”

Toppin, who also earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honors, has been a force all season. He leads Texas Tech in points (18.1), rebounds (9.3), and shooting percentage (55.8%), while also being the team’s top shot-blocker. His presence will be crucial as the Red Raiders look to extend their winning streak and secure a spot in the semifinals.

Baylor Seeking Redemption After February Loss

Baylor (19-13) reached the quarterfinals after a convincing 70-56 win over Kansas State in the second round. The Bears wasted no time in taking control, jumping out to a 17-point halftime lead and never letting their opponent get within striking distance.

The offensive balance was evident, with VJ Edgecombe leading the way with 19 points. Jayden Nunn provided a spark off the bench with 18, while Norchad Omier controlled the paint with 12 points and 14 rebounds.

Omier, who has been a steady presence for Baylor, emphasized the importance of a team-first mentality and defensive focus in the postseason.

“All I wanted to do is win, and we got the dub today,” Omier said. “We’ve been growing in certain areas during the season, and late in the season we’ve been focusing more on defense than our offense.

“Everybody has to contribute, and we need even more of that in March. In the postseason, it’s a win-or-go-home mentality. I’m just happy where we are, you know, and the focus is the next game.”

While Baylor is widely expected to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, securing a victory over a top-10 opponent like Texas Tech would provide a significant boost to their resume and confidence heading into March Madness.

Red Raiders Seeking Season Sweep

When these two teams met back on Feb. 4, Texas Tech controlled the game from start to finish in a 73-59 win in Lubbock. The Red Raiders’ defense stifled Baylor’s offense, while Toppin and company capitalized on their scoring opportunities.

Baylor, however, has won three of the last five matchups between the programs and has historically played Texas Tech tough in the postseason. With both teams featuring high-powered offenses and physical defenses, this quarterfinal clash is set up to be a must-watch game.

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What’s at Stake?

The winner of this matchup will advance to Friday’s semifinal round, where they will face the winner of the No. 3 Arizona vs. No. 6 Kansas quarterfinal. For Texas Tech, a deep Big 12 Tournament run could help solidify their standing as a potential high seed in the NCAA Tournament. For Baylor, this game serves as both a revenge opportunity and a statement game that could improve their tournament seeding.

With both teams locked in and everything on the line, expect an intense battle in Kansas City as Baylor and Texas Tech fight for a place in the Big 12 semifinals.