The Sooners have lost two games in a row without star forward Blake Griffin at their disposal. Now, they've got the big man back and hopefully will be ready to make a statement to the conference and the country that they are back on track. You have to question though if there will be any rust and if there is will Blake's hunger to get back on the court and make a statement?
Even if there is some rust Tech should be the team to shake it off against. The Red Raiders have lost five games in a row and 9 of their last 10. They are just ahead of last place Colorado in the conference standings. Earlier this season Blake Griffin went off for 40 points and 23 rebounds against Tech as the Sooners manhandled them in Norman.
The Red Raiders have three guards who score in double figures led by John Roberson's 14.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists. Just behind him is Alan Voskuil who is shooting 45% from three-point range. Voskuil scores 13.9 points and pulls in 4.1 rebounds per game. Nick Okorie is the final part of the guard trio. He scores 11 points per game.
In the post freshman Robert Lewandowski was stoked about having the opportunity to, "hold his own" against Griffin two weeks ago. Now you have to think that he's just hoping to survive without being posterized. Lewandowski is averaging 7 points and 4 rebounds per game while shooting 59% from the floor.
Interesting Subplots
There will be so many side stories going on Saturday afternoon that the game itself almost takes a backseat. We've already discussed Blake Griffin's return and the questions surrounding his performance after taking a week off but consider these two angles from a Red Raiders standpoint.
- Attendance - In just a brief period of time Texas Tech went from being a team that was ultra competitive to one of the worst teams in the conference. This is what happens when you sell your soul to the devil or Bobby Knight as he's known around these parts. The fans are taking notice and the word pathetic doesn't describe the crowds that are showing up in Lubbock these days.
Oh Yeah, Like Father - Like Son
- Pat Knight vs. Officials - Let me preface this by saying that I believe that the officiating in the Big 12 is the worst among the major conferences and the Big 12 should be embarrassed with the crews that they are putting on the floor. Now, with that out of the way Pat Knight's behavior has been something that only a father could love. If that father just happens to be the devil or Bobby Knight as he's known around these parts. Today's game marks little Knight's return to the floor after a suspension that was the result of an ongoing feud between himself, the officials and the conference. Can't wait to see what happens when that first bad call is made.