Bearkats Set to Battle Red Raiders in Lubbock Showdown
As the Sam Houston State Bearkats prepare to face off against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at the United Supermarkets Arena, fans are keenly anticipating what promises to be a riveting encounter. The Bearkats, coming off a mixed bag of performances, have shown both resilience and areas for improvement that could dictate the outcome of their upcoming game on December 28th.
In their last outing against Grand Canyon Antelopes on December 21st, SHSU struggled defensively, allowing 76 points and losing by a significant margin. The Bearkats' two-point field goal percentage was commendable at 53 percent; however, their three-point shooting languished at a mere 18 percent. This stark contrast in efficiency from different ranges is something that needs addressing if they hope to keep up with TTU's scoring prowess.
The game prior to that saw SHSU fall short against Texas State Bobcats with a score of 60-73. Despite this loss at home in Bernard Johnson Coliseum, there were positive takeaways – an impressive free throw percentage of 80 and points off turnovers standing at 16 – showcasing their ability to capitalize on opponents' mistakes.
However, it was the victory over Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks that highlighted SHSU's potential when they play cohesively as a unit. A tighter defense led them to win by one point while amassing seven steals and converting fast-break opportunities into valuable points.
The key for SHSU lies in balancing their inside game with improved perimeter shooting while tightening up defensively. They'll need heightened vigilance against TTU's offense which has been known for its dynamism. Ball movement and shot selection will be critical components if they wish to outmaneuver the Red Raiders' defense.
Looking ahead, fans can expect an intense battle where every possession counts. The Bearkats must leverage their fast-break scoring ability demonstrated in previous games while shoring up defensive lapses that have cost them dearly before.
Mark your calendars for December 28th at 7:00 PM when Sam Houston State takes on Texas Tech in Lubbock – an encounter you can catch live on ESPN+. With strategic adjustments and focused execution, SHSU has the opportunity not just to compete but potentially upset TTU on their home court.