Pedro Oliveira
This Sunday we have the game that defines the middle of the day of the NCAA West Division draw, the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Notre Dame has already taken care of both Rutgers University (in a game that took two overtimes) and causing the dominant upset to the University of Alabama. While Texas Tech gave a 97-62 thrashing of Montana State University, in which there was no doubt about its excellent performance. Which of the two will advance to the Sweet 16 of the March Madness tournament?
Picks and Predictions for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Texas Tech Red Raiders NCAA Basketball Championship Round 2 Game on March 20
- Where: Viejas Arena – San Diego, California
- When: Sunday, March 20, 7:10 PM ET
- Betting Line: Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+7.5) vs Texas Tech Red Raiders (-7.5)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 24-10
- Conference Record: 15-5
- Spread: +7.5
- Over/Under: Over 132.5
- Moneyline: +260
This is probably one of the worst matchups that could have touched the squad led by Mike Brey, however, all is not lost for one of the teams that has shown the most that it can stay alive even if the circumstances are against it. It will be crucial for Notre Dame to keep its main weapon effective: the three-point shot.
With a Texas Tech outfit limiting their opponents to 31.4% on three-pointers doesn’t seem like an easy task at all, but with a team that seeks both ranged shooting so often, even the Red Raiders’ impeccable defense will struggle with the Fighting Irish snipers. Paul Atkinson Jr. will also be key in the game as he is the most important presence in his team’s entire roster in the paint, to get second chances and try to surprise his opponent with internal attacks.
Causing losses is also one of the points where More focus should be placed by Notre Dame, but it is not something that has been easily given to him so far this campaign.
Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 26-9
- Conference Record: 12-6
- Spread: -7.5
- Over/Under: Under 132.5
- Moneyline: –335
For the Red Raiders the main task to end this game as soon as possible is to limit their Achilles heel this season: ball losses, which have been the end of 20.2% of their possessions so far this season. Fortunately this is the only concern Notre Dame could cause on paper.
The physical, defensive style and with a focus on offenses inside the paint and at a distance without leaving the arc will give a massive advantage to Texas Tech, as it is a way of playing that does not go well with the development of the Fighting Irish. It will give a lot of opportunity for the Texas team to take over the rebounds and second chances throughout the game.
Bryson Williams will undoubtedly be the name to follow, averaging 13.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and being one of the main authors who define the style with which the Red Raiders play.
JefeBet Prediction
On paper and on the pitch the conditions do not seem to be in place for Notre Dame to get the upset, even with his great efforts in the last two games he has had. However, it is useless to consider that this match is made for Texas Tech, knowing that at this level of competitiveness anything can happen.
Still, our choice is the University of Texas Tech Red Raiders, for the simple fact that their style of play can easily dominate that of the Fighting Irish, and without so much difficulty.
