I'm not suggesting that Auburn fans overlook an incredibly talented Virginia team, but it is important for fans to be familiar with the other teams of the Final Four.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders of Lubbock, Texas finished second in the Big XII conference this season with a 26-6 record. Outside of a rough, 3-game losing streak at the end of January and an early exit in the Big XII Tournament, Texas Tech has had a remarkable season.
The Red Raiders took that loss to West Virginia in the Big XII Tournament and used it as fuel for their NCAA Tournament run. Texas Tech has won each of its four tournament games by an average of 15 points, including a 75-69 upset win over No. 1 Gonzaga in the Elite Eight.
Texas Tech's run to the Final Four has been in large part to defense, very similarly to Auburn's National Semifinal opponent Virginia. To put things in perspective, Texas Tech is allowing an average of 59 PPG, while Auburn is scoring 80.2 PPG on average.
Another key to Teas Tech's success is sophomore guard Jarrett Culver. The Lubbock, Texas native leads the team on average in points, assists and rebounds, with 18.5, 6.3, and 3.7 respectively. Culver is expected to be a lottery pick in the NBA Draft this year.
It may be premature to think about Texas Tech, while Auburn has its biggest game in program history against Virginia on Saturday, but the Tigers could face the Red Raiders in a potential National Championship game. It's always important to have a full scope of the entire field.
Auburn faces off against Virginia Saturday, April at 5:09 CST with the game broadcast on CBS.
Solutions by The State News
