Red Raiders adjusting on the fly

In Texas Tech’s 78-73 win over Iowa State last season the Red Raiders outscored the Cyclones 33-18 from the three-point line highlighted by 22 points from Devaughntah Williams, 13 from Robert Turner and 17 points from Toddrick Gotcher off the bench.

Tech head coach Tubby Smith still believes shot-making will define the contest although the Red Raiders have struggled with perimeter scoring.

“If you shoot well in most games you’re gonna have a chance to win, which we did in spurts,” Smith said. “We’ve been able to make shots in spurts but without [Williams] shooting well, which he hasn’t shot well since this game to be honest with you - since we played Iowa State [in Lubbock]. That has hurt.” Despite Williams’ descending shooting percentages, which created an opportunity for Justin Gray to enter the starting lineup, the senior found a way to follow through down the stretch. His last second game-winning layup helped Tech secure a 63-61 victory over Oklahoma State while being the only made basket of Williams’ eight field-goal attempts

Tech appeared to be returning to form following Odiase’s injury, even pushing Texas throughout the first half in Austin before another frontcourt loss devastated the Red Raiders.

Junior forward Matthew Temple could possibly be Tech’s most recent frontcourt loss after making five starts for Tech this season.

“Matt Temple will be available,” Smith said. “We’ll see how he does [Tuesday]. I’m not sure if he’ll practice, but we’ll see how he does. He didn’t do anything yesterday, so we’ll see if he’s able to see today.”

Coach Smith continues to be tasked with rebuilding and rearranging rotations throughout the season beginning with Isaiah Manderson’s transfer following four games and most recently following injuries to sophomore center Norense Odiase and Temple.

In terms of height the Red Raiders are limited to one player taller than 6-foot-8, sophomore forward Rokas Ulvydas stands 6-foot-11.

Tech catches a break with senior Jameel Mckay out of the lineup though the Cyclones are still led by preseason All-American Georges Niang.

“They’ll probably miss the rim protector which [Mckay] was, he was one of the best shot blockers in the league and in the country,” Smith said. “So that may open up some opportunities inside,” Smith said. “Unless we’re beating people off the dribble from the perimeter, we’re sort of struggling to score inside without Norense.”

Zach Smith’s availability becomes more essential following the trio of losses though junior Aaron Ross is also available to help shoulder the burden along with Ulvydas.

“We’re limited,” Smith said. “Obviously our rebounding has struggled without Norense and then without Matt in that game against Texas.

“When you’re limited, when your bench is limited it doesn’t help. Without Norense or if you’re in some type of foul trouble like we did the other day, Toddrick gets in foul trouble, so, we can’t afford that. Some teams can afford to do that and I’ve just been concerned about our production off the bench and that’s been one of our strengths. Now that we’ve got [Justin Gray] in the starting lineup - Devaughntah Williams is coming off the bench, so we should be more productive.”

With Odiase’s cast scheduled to come off in a few weeks there’s always a possibility the Red Raiders could return to form down the stretch. But could it be too little, too late?

Gray believes regardless of any potential changes the current lineup is well-adjusted to its new rotation.

“I think we’ve responded really well,” Gray said. “Coach has been trying to change it up a little bit in practice. We’ve been scrimmaging a lot, kind of playing simulation games just trying to get a feel for one another in the new lineups.

I think we’ve responded well trying to get that chemistry right with the new lineups and just being prepared for pretty much any lineup change that [Smith] has coming in the future or if he’s going to go back to the old ones so we’re kind of just ready for anything.”