Game of the Day
Richmond Spiders vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders, 5 PM ET
The Richmond Spiders draw yet another tough opponent to finish off their non-conference schedule. With the exception of VCU, Richmond may have had the toughest slate of non-conference games out of any team in the Atlantic Ten; they’ve already taken on Wake Forest, West Virginia, California, Florida, Northern Iowa, and Old Dominion.
The Red Raiders are right up there as a powerful and difficult opponent. They come into this game with a 9-1 record and rank fifth in the Big 12 conference standings. Texas Tech’s sole loss came earlier this season to a Utah team that now resides in the Top 25. While the Red Raiders haven’t had by any means the toughest strength of schedule, they got a good win over Hawaii and ended Arkansas-Little Rock’s undefeated season as well.
One thing that the Red Raiders do really well is defend. They force an average of 14.6 turnovers per game and are only allowing their opponents to score 63.9 points per contest. They’ve held opponents to less than 60 points four times this season. Richmond’s forte is its high-powered offense. The Spiders are averaging 80.2 points per game and have scored 80 or more points 5 times this season. Something’s got to give.
If Terry Allen can really keep these Spiders hot, they’ll have a decent shot at getting a huge win on the road. Richmond enters this game having won four straight and looks to keep the ball rolling heading into conference play. I’d expect a very close game in Lubbock this Tuesday, and despite not having homecourt advantage, I think that the Spiders pull this one off.
Prediction: Richmond 79, Texas Tech 72
The Rest
Duquesne Dukes vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 7 PM ET
Duquesne will undoubtedly be tested this weekend when it goes into Atlanta to face a very tough Yellow Jackets team. Georgia Tech easily took down VCU a few weeks ago and will look to do the same to the Dukes. Duquesne sits at the top of the Atlantic 10 standings at 10-2 and will certainly have something to say about that. It won’t be easy, but Duquesne could get a huge win heading into conference play this week.
Long Island Blackbirds vs. Massachusetts Minutemen, 7 PM ET
The Minutemen are in dire need of a win this week when they take on Long Island at home on Tuesday. They’ve now lost 4 of their last 5 games and are certainly trending in the wrong direction heading into conference play. While the Blackbirds shouldn’t serve as much of a threat, the Minutemen have to make sure they defend against a team that puts up a solid 74.4 points per game.
Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks vs. St. Joseph’s Hawks, 7 PM ET
It’s a battle of the Hawks on Tuesday night as St. Joseph’s plays host to Maryland-Eastern Shore. The St. Joseph’s Hawks have been sneaky good as of late, winning their last 5 games. The Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks have been blatantly bad this season, as they’ve already suffered 10 losses. Look for St. Joseph’s to take care of business.
George Washington Colonials vs. UCF Knights, 7 PM ET
George Washington travels to Central Florida in search of a redeeming win after getting blown out by DePaul last weekend. The Colonials are tied with Duquesne at the top of the conference and have a very good chance of moving to 11-2 after Tuesday’s over. That being said, UCF is no pushover. The Knights beat UMass in Florida earlier this season.
Saint Louis Billikens vs. Kansas State Wildcats, 8 PM ET
Saint Louis needs a win and it needs one fast. The Billikens have now lost 6 of their last 7 games and don’t seem likely to change that trend heading into Tuesday night’s contest against Kansas State. The Wildcats have yet to lose at home this season and boast an impressive 9-2 record. Though its not likely, it would greatly benefit Saint Louis to pick up a win here.
