The Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Utah Utes continue Big 12 Conference men’s basketball action on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. central on ESPN+. The Red Raiders (9-3, 0-1 in Big 12) and the Utes (8-4, 0-1 in Big 12) are both currently unranked.
Both Texas Tech and Utah took losses in the Big 12 opener, with the Red Raiders falling 87-83 to UCF and the Utes getting blown out by Baylor 81-56. Senior guard Hunter Erickson led the Utes in scoring in the outing with 13 points and five rebounds, while Texas Tech received 26 points from JT Toppin in his return to the court.
Here is a preview of Saturday’s game.
How to Watch Texas Tech vs. Utah
Date: Saturday, January 4, 2025
Time: 6 p.m. CT
TV Channel: ESPN+
Site: Jon M. Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Texas Tech vs. Utah Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: Texas Tech -2.5
Current Line: Texas Tech -2.5
Over/Under: 152.5
K-State vs. TCU Predictions
Utah was picked to finish last in the Big 12 Preseason Media Poll, nine spots behind Texas Tech. The Utes have been solid at home this season, sporting an 8-1 record, with the lone loss coming to St. Mary’s on December 7th. Texas Tech, however, enters its second conference game of the year with a clean slate in road games, as the group has yet to play in an official away game.
While Texas Tech’s star forward JT Toppin has missed some time due to a lower-body injury, when he’s active, Texas Tech is a different team. The former Mountain West Freshman of the Year is averaging 19.5 points and 10.9 rebounds per game and looks the part of a Big 12 Player of the Year candidate.
Utah is led primarily by the Madsen brothers, Gabe and Mason, who have been stars in the backcourt. The duo is averaging 29.8 points per game, with Gabe posting 17.5 and Mason at 12.3. Following the pair are seven-foot big man Lawson Lovering (12.1) and ECU transfer forward Ezra Ausar (10.0).
Grant McCasland’s squad has been a bit of a mixed bag this season, with wins over teams like Wyoming, Syracuse, DePaul, and more, and losses to St. Joseph’s, No. 22 Texas A&M, and UCF.
On the opposite side of the court, Utah has had a tough start to the 2024-25 season. After winning eight of their first ten games, Utah went on a two-game losing streak with losses to Iowa and No. 25 Baylor.
They now seek a big turnaround game against an NCAA Tournament team from one year ago. Two returners from that team are among the Top 3 in scoring this season for the Red Raiders, including Darrion Williams and Chance McMillian, who combine to average 32 points, 9.5 rebounds, and seven assists per game.
Texas Tech 74, Utah 68
ESPN Matchup Predictor: Texas Tech (55.7% Chance of Winning)
Odds Shark: Texas Tech 76, Utah 75
