Preview: Winthrop Eagles at No. -- Texas Tech Red Raiders

LUBBOCK, Texas (Interstat) — The Texas Tech Red Raiders, riding high after a marquee road win, return home to face the Winthrop Eagles in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Sunday at United Spirit Arena.

Texas Tech (9-3) is coming off an 82-81 victory at then-Duke on Dec. 20, a signature win that highlighted its potential. The Red Raiders’ offense has been potent, averaging 88.2 points in their last five games.

Guard Christian Anderson has been the catalyst, averaging 21.8 points and 6.8 assists over that stretch. He scored 27 points, including the game-winning free throws, in the final seconds at Duke.

“He wants the ball in those moments, and he’s delivered for us,” Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland said of Anderson earlier this week. “Our challenge is to bring that same focus and energy every night.”

Winthrop (8-6) presents a contrasting challenge. The Eagles have shown a high-scoring capability against lower-tier competition, including a 107-41 rout of Clinton College last Sunday, but are 0-3 against power-conference teams this season, with losses to Nebraska, Arkansas and a narrow 90-88 defeat at North Dakota.

The Eagles are led by guard Daylen Berry, who is coming off a 22-point, 6-assist performance against Clinton. He has scored in double figures in five of his last seven games.

“They play fast, they’re aggressive, and Berry makes them go,” McCasland said. “We have to control the tempo and defend without fouling.”

Texas Tech, a 17.5-point favorite according to FanDuel Sportsbook, will look to leverage its size and athleticism advantage inside against a Winthrop team that was outrebounded in its three power-conference losses. The Red Raiders’ frontcourt of JT Toppin and LeJuan Watts, who combined for 39 points against Duke, will be a focal point.

For Winthrop, containing Anderson and surviving Texas Tech’s defensive pressure will be paramount. The Eagles have committed 15 or more turnovers in four games this season.

“It’s a great opportunity for our program on the road,” Winthrop coach Mark Prosser said. “Texas Tech is elite defensively and has one of the best guards in the country. We have to be sound, tough and value every possession.”

This is the final nonconference tune-up for both teams before league play begins. Texas Tech opens Big 12 Conference action at home against Oklahoma State on Jan. 3. Winthrop begins Big South Conference play at Longwood on Dec. 31.

The over/under for the game is 167 points. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST.