GAME NOTES: Big 12 play gets underway this afternoon for Texas Tech and Oklahoma State, as the Cowboys get set to host the Red Raiders at Gallagher-Iba Arena. The Red Raiders are riding a two-game winning streak into this matchup, as the team is coming off victories over Northwestern State (95-71) and Lamar (79-77). Texas Tech has struggled in league play over the two previous seasons, posting a mere 16-18 ledger against conference foes. As for the Cowboys, they have been red-hot, winning four consecutive matchups, including a hard-fought, 62-53 victory over Rogers State this past Monday. Since the beginning of the 2005-06 season, the Pokes are an impressive 34-8 at home, and that includes the team's 8-0 start at Gallagher-Iba Arena this season. However, the team has not enjoyed similar success in league play, posting a mere 12-20 mark against Big 12 competition over the same time span. The Red Raiders have won seven of the last nine matchups against Oklahoma State, however the Cowboys won the last meeting, defeating Texas Tech, 59-57. Overall the Pokes have a 27-12 edge over the Red Raiders in the all-time series.

There are not many scoring options on the roster for Texas Tech, but the team is still averaging 70.8 ppg and comes into this contest with a solid 8-5 ledger. Martin Zeno tops the Red Raiders with 15.8 ppg, while also collecting a team-high 5.1 rpg. Alan Voskuil is the only other player averaging double figures for Texas Tech, as the guard is netting 13.1 ppg, while shooting an outstanding 60.0 percent from behind the arc. The last time the Red Raiders were on the floor, the team grabbed a two-point win over Lamar. Texas Tech was able to score 79 points in the win, thanks to a scorching 57.8 percent shooting effort, and a 20-of-25 clip from the foul line. Zeno had an outstanding performance in the win, netting 28 points to go along with seven rebounds, and six assists. John Roberson added 21 points and seven helpers, while Voskuil chipped in 16 points.

The last time Oklahoma State took the court the team grabbed a nine-point victory over Rogers State. Sure Rogers State is not a big time basketball program, but the Pokes showed tremendous pressure defensively, and held the school to a mere 34.7 percent shooting effort and also forced 22 turnovers. A strong defensive effort has been the key to the early success for Oklahoma State, as the squad is limiting opponents to 65.6 ppg and just 43.3 percent shooting. Offensively the team has relied heavily on James Anderson, who is producing 16.8 ppg. Terrel Harris and Marcus Dove have also made solid contributions, as the Harris is posting 11.3 ppg, while Dove is netting 10.5 ppg to go along with a team-high 5.4 rpg. As a whole, this squad has been decent offensively, scoring 72.6 ppg, while shooting 43.8 percent from the floor.

Both teams have enjoyed a soft schedule to this point, so it will be interesting to see which team is actually legitimate. Oklahoma State has played well at home and should continue its strong play on its home floor.