Texas Tech Hosts Auburn In SEC/Big 12 Challenge
December 02, 2014 | Men's Basketball
December 2, 2014
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech hosts Auburn on Wednesday at 8 p.m. at United Supermarkets Arena in the annual SEC/Big 12 Challenge.
Last season, the Red Raiders lost to Alabama in Tuscaloosa, while Auburn lost to Iowa State in Ames as a part of the annual series.
"Anytime you have the opportunity to play in these types of series, it is a good thing," said Red Raider head coach Tubby Smith. "The players get up to play against teams from the top conferences."
The Red Raiders enter the game 4-1 after recording a come-from-behind victory over Air Force, 63-62, on Sunday. Texas Tech trailed by 19 points with 13 minutes to play, but the Maryland Magician led his Red Raiders back inch by inch. Devaugntah Williams tied the game with 23 second left on a dunk and Robert Turner hit one of two free throws for the squad's first lead of the game with 12 seconds to play.
"I am really proud of our guys to come back like they did," added Smith. "They never thought they were out of it and they kept battling. In the end, their effort paid off."
Texas Tech is looking to improve to 5-1 for just the 27th time in the 90-year history of the program. A win would also mark the seventh time in the last nine seasons the Red Raiders have begun the season 5-0 at home.
Auburn brings a 3-2 record into the USA, after notching wins over Milwaukee, Louisiana-Lafayette and Oregon State. The Tigers' two losses are to Colorado and Tulsa.
The Red Raiders sport the fourth youngest starting lineup in the country and the 28th youngest roster in the NCAA.
For the first three games, freshmen center Norense Odiase dominated the pivot and led Texas Tech. But the native of Fort Worth has struggles the last two games. But the slack was picked up by Turner and Williams.
Despite coming off the bench, Williams leads the Red Raiders in scoring with 13.4 points a night, while Turner adds 11.6 points.
Auburn is led by KT Harrell's 17.2 points and Cinmeon Bowers 15.2 points.
