Preview: Colorado Buffaloes at Texas Tech Red Raiders

LUBBOCK, Texas (Interstat) — A pivotal Big 12 rematch awaits Wednesday night at United Spirit Arena as the Texas Tech Red Raiders host the Colorado Buffaloes, seeking a regular-season sweep.

Texas Tech (17-6, 6-4 Big 12), buoyed by a 70-63 road win at West Virginia on Sunday, looks to solidify its standing in the conference race. The Red Raiders have been formidable at home, boasting a 12-1 record in Lubbock this season.

Their success is powered by forward JT Toppin, who is playing at an All-Conference level. Over his last seven games, Toppin is averaging 24.4 points and 8.4 rebounds, including a 31-point, 12-rebound performance in a win over Houston and a 22-point, 9-rebound effort in the recent victory at West Virginia.

Colorado (14-10, 5-6) arrives after snapping a four-game skid with a 78-70 home win over Arizona State on Saturday. The Buffaloes’ hopes hinge on guard Barrington Hargress, who scored 23 points in that victory. Hargress has been a consistent offensive force, scoring in double figures in 14 consecutive games.

The first meeting this season was a classic, with Texas Tech escaping Boulder with a 73-71 win on Jan. 10. The Buffaloes have lost six of their last eight games but showed resilience in their latest outing.

Defense will be a key concern for Colorado, which has allowed an average of 82.1 points during its recent 2-6 stretch. Containing Toppin and a Texas Tech offense averaging 80.2 points per game at home presents a significant challenge.

A win for Texas Tech would strengthen its resume for a high NCAA tournament seed, while Colorado desperately needs a quality road victory to bolster its postseason aspirations.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CST Wednesday. The game will be televised on ESPNU.

Up Next: Colorado visits BYU on Saturday. Texas Tech travels to face Arizona on Saturday.