Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Northern Colorado Bears Picks and Predictions December 16th 2025

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Texas Tech Red Raiders (7-3) host the Northern Colorado Bears (9-1) on Tuesday night in Lubbock. Texas Tech looks to bounce back from a loss to Arkansas, while Northern Colorado seeks to continue its best start in program history.

Line Movement and Odds

  • Texas Tech Red Raiders Spread: -13.5
  • Northern Colorado Bears Spread: +13.5
  • Texas Tech Red Raiders MoneyLine: -950
  • Northern Colorado Bears MoneyLine: +625
  • Total: 154.5

Texas Tech opened as a double-digit favorite, reflecting their home dominance and depth. Northern Colorado’s 9-1 record and strong perimeter shooting have kept bettors intrigued, but oddsmakers expect the Red Raiders’ talent to prevail. The total of 154.5 points suggests expectations for a high-scoring contest, with both teams ranking among the nation’s leaders in three-point shooting. See updated numbers and market shifts on the College Basketball Odds page.

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Matchup Breakdown

Texas Tech Red Raiders Outlook

The Red Raiders fell 93-86 to Arkansas, despite J.T. Toppin’s 30 points and 11 rebounds and Christian Anderson’s 26 points and 11 assists. Toppin and Anderson combined to shoot 24-of-39, while the rest of the team struggled at 11-of-30. Coach Grant McCasland emphasized competitiveness and defensive discipline after Arkansas outscored Tech 50-37 in the second half. Texas Tech averages 82.4 points per game and leads the Big 12 in three-pointers made (10.9 per game). Their 44-game nonconference home winning streak is on the line.

Northern Colorado Bears Outlook

The Bears are off to a 9-1 start, their best in program history. Quinn Denker leads with 17.3 points and 6.1 assists per game, while Brock Wisne adds 14.3 points and 6.3 rebounds. Zach Bloch has been lethal from deep, hitting 36-of-67 threes (53.7%). Northern Colorado averages 87.4 points per game and makes 11.1 threes per contest, slightly more than Texas Tech. The Bears are 4-0 on the road, with wins at Pepperdine, Portland, and Air Force, showcasing resilience away from home.

Key Matchup / Path to Victory

Texas Tech’s defensive adjustments versus Northern Colorado’s perimeter shooting is the focal battle. The Red Raiders must limit Denker’s playmaking and Bloch’s shooting, while the Bears rely on offensive efficiency and rebounding to stay competitive.

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Injuries / Availability

Texas Tech: Full roster available.
Northern Colorado: Full roster available.

  • Texas Tech is 21-0 at home in nonconference play under McCasland.
  • The Red Raiders have won 44 straight nonconference home games.
  • Northern Colorado is 9-1 overall and 4-0 on the road.
  • The Bears average 87.4 points per game and shoot 37.9% from three.
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Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Texas Tech 84, Northern Colorado 72

  • Pick: Northern Colorado +13.5. The Bears’ perimeter shooting and road success could keep the margin closer than expected.
  • Total: Under 154.5. Texas Tech’s defensive focus may limit Northern Colorado’s scoring enough to stay below the line.

Expect Texas Tech to extend its nonconference home streak, with Toppin and Anderson leading the way, while Northern Colorado’s shooting keeps the game competitive.

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