- This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
BYU (16-1) vs Texas Tech (13-4)
- When: Jan 17 2026, 8:00 PM
- Where: United Supermarkets Arena, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
(11) BYU vs (15) Texas Tech Preview & Prediction
Spread: Texas Tech -2.5
Moneyline: Texas Tech (-145)
Total: 163.5
BYU Cougars Betting Breakdown
BYU heads into Lubbock playing with supreme confidence and zero interest in slowing down. The Cougars have ripped through opponents for over a month, stacking wins and sitting right at the top of the Big 12 standings. This offense can score from anywhere, at any pace, and usually does it in bunches.
Even in games where shots are not falling, BYU has shown the ability to grind out wins. Their most recent outing required patience, toughness, and defense rather than fireworks. That adaptability matters in a hostile road environment like Lubbock, where clean looks can be harder to come by.
BYU thrives on spacing, ball movement, and tempo. When they control rhythm, they force opponents into uncomfortable defensive rotations. However, this road test marks the start of a brutal stretch against elite competition, and the margin for error shrinks quickly against teams that can match scoring punch.
The Cougars are capable of winning anywhere, but they have not faced many environments tougher than this one during their current run.
Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Breakdown
Texas Tech has quietly built one of the most reliable home court advantages in the conference. The Red Raiders have been flawless at home this season, and their style of play travels extremely well in familiar surroundings. They defend with physicality, rebound aggressively, and launch threes without hesitation.
Offensively, Texas Tech stretches defenses to the breaking point. They fire from deep at a high volume and punish teams that help too much inside. When the shots are falling, runs come fast and loud, especially with the crowd feeding off every possession.
The Red Raiders also do a lot of the little things right. They rebound at an elite level, move the ball efficiently, and create second chances that wear opponents down over forty minutes. Against a high powered BYU offense, Texas Tech will aim to turn this into a possession battle and make every trip uncomfortable.
Being favored by 2.5 points reflects just how much respect the market gives Texas Tech at home.
Prediction and Betting Outlook
Both teams can score, both play fast, and neither shies away from high pressure situations. The total is lofty, but justified given the offensive talent on the floor.
The deciding factor here is location. Texas Tech has been nearly unbeatable in Lubbock, while BYU is stepping into one of the toughest road environments in the conference at the start of a demanding stretch.
Expect a tight game early before Texas Tech creates separation with rebounding and perimeter shooting.
Final Score: Texas Tech 86, BYU 81
Lean: Texas Tech -2.5
Total: Over 163.5
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
