The No. 3 Texas Tech Red Raiders needed more than 30 minutes to find their NCAA Tournament form in the Round of 64. They can’t wait that long to get going against the No. 11 Drake Bulldogs on Saturday.
The Bulldogs blew up brackets with a win over Missouri in the Round of 64, employing its methodical pace and suffocating defense to slow down an up-tempo Tigers attack. The Red Raiders are a different beast, however.
I look to TTU big man JT Toppin – not as a scorer but a playmaker – with my Texas Tech vs. Drake predictions. Find out more in my March Madness picks for March 21.
Who will win Drake vs Texas Tech?
The outright odds give Texas Tech a healthy implied win probability of around 77%.
I concur with TTU advancing past the pesky Bulldogs in my bracket.
Drake vs Texas Tech prediction
My best bet: JT Toppin Over 1.5 assists (+180 at bet365)
JT Toppin is the focal point of this Texas Tech offense. In turn, that also makes him the target of every defensive game plan.
UNC Wilmington did a great job limiting Toppin in the Round of 64. The Seahawks sold out on double-teaming the 6-foot-9 sophomore every time he touched the ball in the post. It really bogged down the Red Raiders' execution, and Toppin was ultimately forced to throw the ball back out to the wing.
However, the Red Raiders started to work off Toppin as a conduit in the second half. Texas Tech was running sets with Toppin either making the play or cashing in from deep on those kickouts. He finished with three assists versus UNCW.
Although Drake's defense is fantastic, it has a soft spot in the interior (291st at 2PT%). The Bulldogs will likely take a page out of the Seahawks' playbook and throw extra bodies at Toppin each time he gets the ball with his back to the basket.
Following last night’s three assists, Toppin has dished out two or more dimes in three of his last four games — including 2+ in six of his last 15 starts. With books pricing his Over 1.5 assists at +180 and the Bulldogs throwing everything they have at him, it’s realistic to think Toppin can find at least two opener shooters for buckets.
Drake vs Texas Tech same-game parlay (SGP)
JT Toppin Over 1.5 assists
Kerwin Walton 2+ threes
Texas Tech moneyline
I expect Drake to double Toppin as UNCW did, forcing him to move the ball to open shooters.
Walton made eight triples in the Round of 64 and has hit two or more from deep in seven straight games.
Texas Tech won’t be impacted by Drake’s slo-mo approach like Missouri was. The Red Raiders will be patient on both ends and win this one.
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Drake vs Texas Tech odds
Drake vs Texas Tech live odds
Drake vs Texas Tech opening odds
- Spread: Drake +7.5 (-110) | Texas Tech -7.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Drake +290 | Texas Tech -370
- Over/Under: Over 127 (-110) | Under 127 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Drake vs Texas Tech betting trend to know
Texas Tech has gone Over the total in 20 of its last 35 games (+4.65 Units / 12% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Drake vs. Texas Tech.
How to watch Drake vs Texas Tech
| Region | West |
| Location | INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita, KS |
| Date | Saturday, 3-22-2025 |
| Tip-off | 6:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
Drake vs Texas Tech key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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