Mark Adams hopes his Texas Tech squad learns from losses in prep for Georgetown
Win or learn.
That’s the mentality Texas Tech coach Mark Adams wanted his team to take away following the Maui Jim Maui Invitational last weekend.
The then-No. 21 ranked Red Raiders routed Louisville in the second of its three games in the tournament, but suffered bookend losses to Creighton and Ohio State, who are ranked No. 7 and 25, respectively, in The Associated Press Top 25 this week.
After enjoying the sun and waves of Maui, Adams feels the 1-2 showing was just what his players needed as they begin a stretch in which five of the next six games are at home before the New Year's Eve Big 12 opener at TCU.
That journey begins with Texas Tech (4-2) hosting Georgetown (4-3) at 7 p.m. Wednesday as part of the Big 12-BIG EAST Battle inside United Supermarkets Arena.
“They exposed us in certain ways,” Adams said of Creighton, Ohio State and Louisville in the Maui Invitational, “but I think the good news is that we, for a young team, we did show that we can play with them. We just have to clean up some things.
“Some of that was we’ve got to do a better job of rebounding, for sure. And then transition (offense/defense) as well and shot selection. … I was really proud of the way our guys played in the two losses. And against Louisville, I thought we were very good and played great defense.”
In addition to beating Louisville 70-38, the Red Raiders cut down their turnovers — committing nine in the 75-65 loss to Creighton and 10 in the 80-73 loss to Ohio State, that after totaling 52 in the first three games. That did not lead to more wins than losses, but Adams felt the adverse environment was the best teacher for his young squad — which consists of five freshmen and two sophomores to go with a mixture of transfers and returners.
”When you lose and go through adversity — being uncomfortable — there’s growth there,” Adams said. “I think we’ve seen growth the last few days of practice. …. I’m excited about the game against Georgetown.
“We’ve had the attitude and the work ethic these last few practices to make this team step forward and get to the next plateau.
Much of that edge has come from losing the ranking next to the team’s name. The Red Raiders dropped out of The AP Top 25 after being No. 21 last week. Jaylon Tyson, who’s averaging 9.2 points and 4.2 rebounds this season, feels that’s enough motivation for his squad to bounce back at home.
In the loss to Ohio State, Texas Tech's Daniel Batcho poured in 21 points to go with six rebounds, continuing a strong start for the second-year transfer from Arizona. Kevin Obanor tallied 19 points while De'Vion Harmon and Tyson each scored 10.
What can the team take away from the 1-2 showing in Maui?
"I feel like the hunger,” Tyson said. ”After the game, we were all disappointed. That’s the biggest thing, just the hunger. We’re out of the Top 25 now. So now, just the hunger to get back into the Top 25 and when we do go against another ranked team like that, come out with a different mindset.”
It would behoove the Red Raiders to do so against an athletic Georgetown squad looking for a signature win this season after falling to American at home on Nov. 23.
The Hoyas have a quartet of scorers averaging in double digits, led by guard Primo Spears (16.9 points, 3.6 rebounds per game). Fellow backcourt mates Brandon Murray (15.4 points, 4.2 rebounds) and Jay Heath (14.4 points, 4.4 rebounds) aid in transition.
Post players Qudus Wahab (12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds) and Akok Akok (8.4 points, 8.0 rebounds) are the key that starts the Georgetown offense, though, according to Adams.
”I think what they really do best is when they get a defensive rebound or a rebound at the net — they get it and they go,” Adams said. ”We’ve got to make sure we’re back and they’ve got some really great finishers with their guards.”
Akok is a defensive stalwart with his 6-foot-10 frame and wingspan, recording 17 blocked shots this season. The 6-11 Wahab has five blocked shots. The duo creating havoc for opponents in the paint will be a big challenge for the Red Raiders, who’ve struggled to nab crucial rebounds over the past three games.
“They’re an athletic team. We’re going to have to go out there and have to rebound,” Harmon said of the Hoyas. ”Rebounding is going to be the main thing in the game. If we can rebound, we have a chance to win the game.”
The Red Raiders get another opportunity to develop Wednesday night.
we would just be learning about what we need to work on,” Tyson said.
TEXAS TECH VS. GEORGETOWN
What: Big 12-BIG EAST Battle
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: United Supermarkets Arena
Radio: FM 97.3
Online stream: ESPN+
Records: Texas Tech 4-2, Georgetown 4-3
Fast fact(s): Wednesday’s contest marks the first time Texas Tech and Georgetown have faced off in the regular season. … The Hoyas lead the all-time series with a 2-0 mark — both wins coming in the NCAA Tournament in 1986 and 1996.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech basketball learns from losses in prep for Georgetown game
