ASU needs to exploit Texas Tech’s biggest weakness

Feb 4, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears forward Norchad Omier (15) drives the ball against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Federiko Federiko (33) in the second half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn ImagesIn Texas Tech’s five losses, it has allowed 34.4 paint points, with the last two instances allowing 49.5 paint points. The Red Raiders struggle to protect the interior and the rim. They ranked 15th in the Big 12 in blocks per game, not possessing any serious rim protectors on the roster. Sophomore JT Toppin is the program’s best option at only 6’9 with just over one block a game.

ASU possesses two athletic rim-running centers in junior Shawn Phillips Jr. and freshman Jayden Quaintance that’ll give Texas Tech problems. The lack of rim protection has forced the Red Raiders to get undisciplined when opponents drive to the hoop. In the five losses, Texas Tech has allowed 23.2 free throw attempts.

The Red Raiders overcompensate when the opposing team provides rim pressure, leading to those foul calls. ASU not only has big men that can provide that pressure in Phillips Jr. and Quaintance, but also an array of dynamic guard play that creates separation when driving to the basket.

Senior guards like BJ Freeman, Adam Miller, and Alston Mason’s ability to absorb the contact at the rim will be the key to ASU’s game plan for Wednesday. Freeman and Miller are expected to return to the lineup after a one-game absence, which will be an immense boost to the Sun Devils’ offense.

ASU has lost eight of its last 10 games, with no wins in the month of February. It doesn’t get easier against this Texas Tech squad, but the blueprint is there for the program to bounce back in a major way against a ranked opponent.