This year’s Big 12-SEC challenge will feature two struggling teams as the Texas Tech Red Raiders hit the road to battle the LSU Tigers on Saturday at 2 p.m. The game will be held at the Pete Maravich Convention Center in Baton Rouge, LA and will be televised on ESPNU.
Let’s take a look at the odds and lines at DraftKings Sportsbook and make some picks.
Texas Tech vs LSU odds
Distribution: Texas Tech-2
Above/below: 134.5
Moneyline: Texas Tech -130, LSU +110
Texas Tech (10-10, 0-8 Big 12) is winless in Big 12 play, and on Wednesday it completely planted itself in the league with a blowout loss at West Virginia, 76-61. The Mountaineers quickly came forward and took control of the game, but the Red Raiders were unable to take a 10-point lead. Tech’s own foul trouble didn’t help, as Tech sent WVU to the line for 35 free throws. In the loss, Kevin O’Banor led the way with 20 points and eight rebounds.
LSU (12-8, 1-7 SEC) has lost seven straight in SEC play, most recently dominated by Arkansas in a 60-40 loss on Tuesday. The Tigers continued to struggle offensively, shooting just 26% from the field in a game they didn’t lead. Things aren’t going well for Baton Rouge right now, with their last five losses coming by double digits.
The pick: Texas Tech-2
Tech has had its share of struggles in the ultra-competitive Big 12, but has at least managed to be competitive in points and lose by respectable margins. This LSU team has been terrible in SEC play and has no offensive juice right now. I’m counting on the Red Raiders to cover and win against the PMAC on Saturday.