No. 16 Texas Tech looks to extend home win streak against surging Cincinnati

The Red Raiders host the Bearcats in a key Big 12 matchup at United Markets Arena.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 11:05pm

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The No. 16 Texas Tech Red Raiders (20-7, 10-4) host the red-hot Cincinnati Bearcats (15-12, 7-7) in a Big 12 Conference showdown. Texas Tech is aiming to extend its 13-1 home record, while Cincinnati is riding a four-game winning streak after a big win over No. 14 Kansas. The Red Raiders will need to focus on rebounding, using the pick-and-roll, and knocking down 3-pointers to secure the victory.

Why it matters

This is a crucial Big 12 matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions. Texas Tech is looking to solidify its NCAA Tournament resume, while Cincinnati is trying to build momentum heading into the postseason. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams' conference and national tournament seeding.

The details

Texas Tech will need to focus on rebounding, especially on the defensive end, to limit Cincinnati's second-chance opportunities. The Red Raiders' guards will need to chip in on the boards to help offset the Bearcats' strong frontcourt duo of Baba Miller and Moustapha Thiam. Offensively, Texas Tech will look to use the pick-and-roll to force Cincinnati's bigs out of the paint and open up driving lanes. The Red Raiders' perimeter shooting, led by Donovan Atwell, will also be crucial in stretching the Bearcats' defense.

  • The game is set to tip off at 6:00 p.m. CST on ESPN2 at United Markets Arena.

The players

Baba Miller

A senior forward for Cincinnati who averages a double-double and is second in the Big 12 in total rebounds.

Moustapha Thiam

A sophomore center for Cincinnati who has been in double figures with five or more rebounds in 3 of his last 4 games.

Christian Anderson

A sophomore guard for Texas Tech who leads the Big 12 with 7.7 assists per game.

Donovan Atwell

A senior guard for Texas Tech who recently set the single-season record for made 3-pointers.

Jaylen Petty

A freshman guard for Texas Tech who is another perimeter threat for the Red Raiders.

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What they’re saying

“Team rebounding is the way we are going to win. We have always been that way since the time we have been here. How connected can we be on the defensive end? How well do we rebound? How well do our guards rebound every game? The better our guards rebound, the better our team usually is.”

— Grant McCasland, Texas Tech Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a step closer to securing a favorable seed in the Big 12 Tournament and potentially the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This matchup between two hot teams could come down to which squad is able to control the glass and knock down perimeter shots. Texas Tech's ability to get production from its guards on the boards and stretch the defense with its 3-point shooting will be crucial in determining the outcome.