Texas Tech vs. NC State Odds, Opening Spread, Predictions for 2024 NCAA Tournament

Texas Tech vs. NC State Odds

The 2024 NCAA Tournament field has been announced and Texas Tech will take on NC State in Round 1 of the South region. Here's everything you need to know about Texas Tech vs. NC State odds, spread and more.

Texas Tech opened as a 4.5-point favorite over NC State in the first round off the NCAA Tournament, with the total set at over/under 145.5 points scored by both teams combined.

Find out how 6-seeded Texas Tech and 11-seeded NC Statematchup statistically ahead of their opening round matchup.

Statistical Matchup

Texas Tech vs. NC State Analysis

A Grant McCasland team typically screams slow pace and defense.

In his first year at Texas Tech, though, McCasland has been less stringent to those tenets.

These Red Raiders are far more offensively inclined. They feature a cadre of deadeye shooters, including the sharp-shooting backcourt of Pop Isaacs and Joe Toussaint. With their high skill level, they can spread the floor and put immense pressure on defenses. Plus, matchup nightmare Darrion Williams should be fully healthy after precautionarily sitting out the Red Raiders’ Big 12 Tournament loss to Houston with an ankle tweak.

Also crucial to this handicap is the dicier health of Texas Tech center Warren Washington. He’s missed eight of the last nine games (only 13 ineffective minutes in the ninth) with a foot injury, wearing a boot on the bench. The Red Raiders hope he can play in the tourney opener, but he’s unlikely to be 100%.

Against an NC State team that plays through DJ Burns in the post, Texas Tech needs Washington. If TTU cannot contain Burns one-on-one, the big man’s pinpoint passing will create open jumpers and opportunities to drive against closeouts. Washington is also the Red Raiders’ best rim protector.

Tempo is more of a question than efficiency. However, the Wolfpack love to run the floor under Kevin Keatts, and this McCasland squad has shown a higher willingness to push than past versions.

The Pick: Over 145.5

–Jim Root

For more coverage of the 2024 NCAA Tournament and Selection Sunday, make sure to check out our experts' live reactions to the bracket reveal and the Selection Sunday live show, where you can get their instant analysis on every matchup as well as some early insights to help you make your bets.