#10 Arkansas vs #3 Texas Tech NCAAB Pick: A Fiery Sweet 16 Matchup (Mar 27)

• Arkansas secured a 75-66 victory over #2 St. John’s in the second round.
• Texas Tech advanced to the Sweet 16 by defeating #11 Drake 79-72.
• These two teams last met on Mar. 21, 2021. Arkansas edged out Texas Tech 68-66.

The #10 seed Arkansas Razorbacks are set to face the #3 seed Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament on Mar. 27 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the season, setting the stage for a thrilling matchup. The winner will advance to the Elite Eight, moving one step closer to the coveted national championship.

Razorbacks Look Poised And Potent

The Razorbacks enter this matchup with a 22-13 overall record. Their recent victory over St. John’s showcased their defensive tenacity and ability to capitalize on fast-break opportunities.

Key contributors include junior forward Adou Thiero, who has been pivotal in both scoring and rebounding, and graduate senior guard Johnell Davis, known for his leadership and perimeter shooting

Arkansas has shown a knack for closing tight games, with significant contributions from their bench that provide both energy and scoring. Their ability to rise to the occasion in crunch time makes them a dangerous opponent in high-pressure environments.

To secure a win against Texas Tech, Arkansas will need to maintain their defensive intensity and exploit mismatches in transition play.

Red Raiders Look To Control Pace

The Red Raiders boast a 27-8 overall record. Their offense is efficient, focusing on ball movement and high-percentage shots. Defensively, Texas Tech is known for its aggressive man-to-man coverage, often disrupting opponents’ offensive flow.

The Red Raiders’ momentum is built on smart, high-tempo play. Their ability to turn turnovers into fast-break opportunities has been a key driver of their success. With multiple players capable of taking over a game, Texas Tech looks poised to control the pace and pressure Arkansas from tip-off to the final buzzer.

The Red Raiders rank in the top 25 nationally for scoring efficiency, with a 49.0% field goal percentage and a 40.2% three-point rate, making them a perennial threat from beyond the arc. Their strategy focuses on aggressive ball movement and exploiting mismatches on offense, while their suffocating defense consistently disrupts opponents’ rhythm.

Texas Tech’s strategy will focus on controlling the tempo and limiting Arkansas’s transition opportunities.

Arkansas Razorbacks vs Texas Tech Red Raiders Pick

Texas Tech enters the game as a 5.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 147.5 points. While the Red Raiders have been consistent throughout the season, the Razorbacks have shown the ability to rise to the occasion against higher-seeded teams. Given Texas Tech’s defensive prowess and balanced offense, they have a slight edge in this contest. However, if Arkansas can dictate the pace and capitalize on turnovers, they have the potential to pull off an upset.