Place Your Bets: Texas Tech at Texas (Feb. 25)

Texas Tech (12-15, 2-10) at No. 25 Texas (18-8, 7-5)

Wed. Feb. 25 at 9:30 p.m. EST

Spread: Texas -14.5

Backcourt Advantage: Texas

The Longhorns are back in the Top 25 after their 73-68 victory over Oklahoma last Saturday. Senior guard A.J. Abrams (17.1 PPG) scored 16 consecutive points for Texas in the second half and finished the game with 23 points, including a season-high five three-pointers.

Texas fans have been waiting for a breakout game from Abrams, who hasn't stepped up his game to the level they were expecting for his senior year. His field goal percentage, assists, rebounds and steals are all down this year compared to last year and his scoring is only slightly higher (16.5 PPG last year). Saturday was his breakout game.

Texas Tech leading scorers John Roberson (14.1 PPG) and Alan Voskuil (14.0 PPG) will need to lead the Red Raiders on the road without Coach Pat Knight. Knight received a one-game suspension after being critical about the officiating in their 79-73 loss to Texas A&M on Saturday.

Frontcourt Advantage: Texas

Texas dismantled Texas Tech 71-49 in their first meeting this season in Lubbock. The Longhorns were dominant, particularly in the second half, outscoring the Red Raiders 41-25.

Forward Damion James (15.6 PPG) scored 14 of his game-high 18 points in the second half.  He should be the difference-maker again for the more athletic Longhorns.

Momentum: Texas

The Longhorns have won three of four since dropping three straight to fall out of the rankings on Feb. 7.  They are hoping that this time they can stay in the rankings for the rest of the season.

Texas Tech is winless on the road this season, 0-9. Meanwhile, Texas has won its last 13 home games against the Red Raiders. Look for that to continue.

Shaun's Pick: Texas -14.5