Cincinnati Bearcats vs Texas Tech Red Raiders Picks and Predictions for Tuesday February 24 2026
Cincinnati travels to Lubbock to take on Texas Tech at United Supermarkets Arena (Lubbock, TX) on Tuesday at 7:00 PM, with coverage on ESPN2. Texas Tech is listed as a 5.5-point favorite, and the total is set at 141.5, while at the time of this writing the odds were not released for the moneyline. For more action across the board, check out our free college basketball picks.
Cincinnati Bringing Momentum into Big 12 Battle
Cincinnati enters this matchup at 15-12 overall with a 7-7 record in Big 12 play. A road record was not provided in the information available, but the Bearcats have shown strong recent form. Over their last five games, they as recently won over Kansas 84-68, won over Utah 69-65, won over Kansas State 91-62, won over UCF 92-72, and lost to West Virginia 59-54.
Offensively, Cincinnati averages 72.7 points per game while allowing just 67.0. They are shooting 43% from the field and grabbing 37.2 rebounds per contest. The Bearcats also average 16.4 assists per game, a solid number that indicates they are moving the ball well and generating balanced scoring opportunities.
The key strength for Cincinnati has been its defense. Allowing only 67.0 points per game in a conference known for explosive offenses is impressive. They also contribute 4.2 blocks and 6.5 steals per game, showing they can protect the rim and create turnovers. If they can dictate tempo and turn this into a more physical, half-court contest, they have the profile to stay within striking distance.
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Texas Tech’s Offensive Firepower at Home
Texas Tech comes into this contest at 20-7 overall and 10-4 in Big 12 play. A home record was not provided, but the Red Raiders have been strong overall and are coming off a productive stretch. In their last five games, they as recently won over Kansas State 100-72, lost to Arizona State 72-67, won over Arizona 78-75 OT, won over Colorado 78-44, and won over West Virginia 70-63.
The Red Raiders are averaging 82.1 points per game while allowing 72.3. They are shooting 47% from the field and collecting 37.7 rebounds per contest. Texas Tech also averages 16.1 assists per game, keeping the ball moving and putting consistent pressure on opposing defenses.
What separates Texas Tech in this matchup is scoring ceiling. With an average of 82.1 points per game, they have shown the ability to break open games quickly, as seen in the 100-point performance against Kansas State. Even though they allow 72.3 per game, their offensive efficiency and depth can offset defensive lapses, especially if they establish pace early.
Cincinnati vs Texas Tech Pick
Cincinnati vs Texas Tech spread pick
- Pick: Texas Tech -5.5
While Cincinnati’s defense is respectable, Texas Tech’s offensive balance and scoring punch give them the edge. Averaging 82.1 points per game compared to Cincinnati’s 72.7 is a notable gap, and if the Red Raiders approach their season average offensively, it puts pressure on Cincinnati to score at a pace they haven’t consistently maintained. With Texas Tech riding momentum and playing at home, laying the points is the stronger side.
Cincinnati vs Texas Tech total pick
- Pick: Over 141.5
I’m leaning toward the over because Texas Tech’s offense has proven capable of pushing games into the 80s, and Cincinnati has shown it can score efficiently during its recent winning stretch. Even with Cincinnati’s defensive numbers, Texas Tech’s 47% shooting and assist rate suggest they will find quality looks. If this game lands somewhere near both teams’ averages, it should clear the mid-140s without needing an outlier performance.
Final Score Prediction: Texas Tech 80, Cincinnati 73
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