BYU Cougars vs Texas Tech Red Raiders Picks and Predictions for Saturday January 17 2026
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BYU travels to Texas Tech at United Supermarkets Arena on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 8:00 PM EST on ESPN, with Texas Tech -155 on the money line and BYU +130, the total set at 159.5 (over/under -110), and the spread Texas Tech -2.5 (-115) with BYU +2.5 (-105). Make sure you’re also checking out our free college basketball picks for more plays on tonight’s slate.
BYU’s Efficiency Makes Them Tough to Fade
BYU comes in at 16-1 and has recently beaten TCU, Utah, Arizona State, Kansas State, and Eastern Washington.
The Cougars average 87.5 points per game while allowing 68.8, shooting 49% with 40.6 rebounds and 15.6 assists. They also bring 4.9 blocks and 8.9 steals.
What separates BYU is the two-way balance: 87.5 scored with 68.8 allowed, plus shot-making at 49%. That is a profile that can win in a variety of game scripts, including on the road.
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Texas Tech Has More “Grind,” But Needs Full Effort for 40 Minutes
Texas Tech enters at 13-4 and has recently beaten Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma State, and Winthrop, with a loss at Houston.
The Red Raiders are scoring 83.4 points per game and allowing 73.2, while shooting 47% with 38.6 rebounds and 16.5 assists. They average 3.7 blocks and 6.4 steals.
Texas Tech’s defensive numbers are solid, but the gap is that BYU is the more efficient offense and the stronger overall scoring margin team. If Tech doesn’t control the game physically and on the glass, BYU’s shooting can take over.
BYU Cougars vs Texas Tech Red Raiders Pick
BYU Cougars vs Texas Tech Red Raiders Pick
- Pick: BYU +2.5 (-105)
I’m taking the points because BYU’s season-long performance profile is stronger: higher scoring (87.5 vs 83.4), better defense by points allowed (68.8 vs 73.2), and better shooting (49% vs 47%). Texas Tech is good, but if this is a one-possession game late, BYU +2.5 gives you plenty of paths to cash.
BYU Cougars vs Texas Tech Red Raiders Total Pick
- Pick: Over 159.5 (-110)
I’m on the over because both teams play as efficient offenses with solid shooting percentages and scoring outputs in the 80s. Even if Texas Tech tries to slow it down, BYU’s ability to score efficiently can keep the total moving, and Texas Tech’s own 83.4 PPG supports a game that can land in the 160s.
Final Score Prediction: BYU 82, Texas Tech 80
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