No. 15 Texas Tech vs No. 1 Purdue: Preview, Matchups, and Prediction
- Joseph Klein
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship
Date:Â November 21, 2025
Location:Â Baha Mar Convention Center, Nassau, Bahamas
Time:Â 10:30 PM ET on CBSSN
How Do the Two Teams Match Up?
Texas Tech enters the matchup ranked No. 15, coming off a narrow one-point win over Wake Forest. The Red Raiders have been at their best from beyond the arc, currently sitting 11th nationally in three-point percentage. Much of that success stems from the outstanding play of J.T. Toppin, who’s been one of the most productive forwards in the country.
Toppin is averaging 23.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, serving as the hub of Texas Tech's offense. Freshman guard Christian Anderson has also emerged as a major weapon, averaging 18.8 points and 8.8 assists, giving Tech a dangerous 1–2 punch.
Defensively, Texas Tech ranks 39th in defensive efficiency per Haslametrics, but they’ve struggled to contain opposing No. 1 options and have been vulnerable to perimeter scoring. Recent examples include Wake Forest’s Juke Harris (26 points) and Illinois guards Andrej Stojaković and Kylan Boswell, both of whom scored over 20. To pull off an upset, Tech must find answers defensively, particularly against Purdue’s balanced attack.
Purdue enters at 5–0 with one of the most efficient offenses in the country. The Boilermakers play the 13th-slowest pace in the nation, relying on crisp half-court execution. Despite the tempo, they rank 2nd in offensive efficiency and lead the nation in three-point shooting at 39.2%.
The engine behind it all is Braden Smith, who’s been brilliant to start the season, averaging 15.2 points and 9 assists. Smith’s poise, vision, and decision-making have unlocked everything for Purdue, opening up rolls, slips, and kick-outs throughout their offense.
Defensively, Purdue is equally impressive on the perimeter, ranking 5th nationally in opponent three-point percentage (29.4%). Center Oscar Cuff and forward Trey Kaufman-Renn anchor the interior and give Purdue a physical presence around the rim.
Keys for Texas Tech to Win
1. Disrupt Braden Smith. Smith is the center of Purdue’s offense and one of the toughest guards in the country to scheme against. Texas Tech must show multiple coverages, blitzes, hedges, soft traps, and zone looks, and avoid becoming predictable.
2. Win the Three-Point Battle. Tech needs to make shots and take Purdue’s perimeter looks away. Christian Anderson and Donovan Atwell must hit their opportunities.
3. Dominant J.T. Toppin Performance. When Toppin plays at an elite level, Tech can compete with anyone. If Purdue doubles him, he has to make quick, clean reads to avoid turnovers. A game similar to his 35-point performance against Illinois would give Tech a real chance.
4. Increase the Tempo. Purdue wants a slow, half-court game. Tech’s path is to speed things up, through pressure, early offense, and forcing Purdue into quicker decisions.
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Keys for Purdue to Win
1. Let Braden Smith Control the Game. If Smith plays with his normal pace and poise, Texas Tech could struggle. He must avoid being sped up by Tech’s defensive wrinkles.
2. Force Texas Tech’s Role Players to Score. Toppin and Anderson generate almost all of Tech’s offense. Purdue’s goal should be to limit those two and make secondary players make plays.
3. Knock Down Open Shots. Smith will create advantages. Purdue’s shooters simply need to convert the open threes and clean finishes that come from their half-court execution.
Final Thoughts
This matchup features star power on both sides, Toppin for Texas Tech and Smith for Purdue, and should be one of the best games of the event. Ultimately, Purdue’s discipline, shooting, and ability to scheme Toppin effectively give them the edge. Texas Tech will compete, but slowing down Braden Smith for 40 minutes is a tall task.
