Quick Read
- Arkansas and Texas Tech both enter with 7-2 records and top-20 rankings.
- Texas Tech is favored by 1.5 points; moneyline nearly even.
- Arkansas relies on its freshman guards but struggles on the glass.
- Texas Tech boasts elite defense and balanced scoring from Anderson and Toppin.
- Expert picks are split: SportsbookWire leans Arkansas, Action Network favors Texas Tech.
Arkansas vs Texas Tech: High-Stakes Clash in Dallas
On December 13, 2025, the American Airlines Center in Dallas will host a pivotal non-conference showdown between the No. 17 Arkansas Razorbacks (7-2) and the No. 16 Texas Tech Red Raiders (7-2). Both teams bring identical records and a sense of urgency—each looking to cement its reputation as a true contender before conference play begins. The neutral-site setting only heightens the drama, with fans from both programs converging in Texas for what promises to be a fast-paced, physical battle.
Odds, Betting Lines, and Key Trends
According to SportsbookWire and Action Network, Texas Tech is a slight favorite, listed at -1.5 points on the spread and -118 on the moneyline. Arkansas sits at +1.5 points and -102 moneyline. The projected total is 157.5 points—a nod to both teams’ ability to push the pace and score in bunches, but also to their defensive prowess.
- Arkansas has covered as an underdog in recent big games and boasts a 6-2 Under record in its last 8 outings.
- Texas Tech, meanwhile, has seen the Under hit in 6 of its last 7 contests, thanks in part to a defense that ranks 20th nationally in efficiency.
While some analysts prefer Arkansas on the moneyline for its revenge factor, others like Texas Tech’s home-state advantage and steadier performance against quality opponents.
Team Profiles: Strengths and Vulnerabilities
Arkansas Razorbacks
After a convincing win over Fresno State (82-58), Arkansas enters the matchup with momentum, led by freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. (18 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds in his last outing). Acuff and fellow rookie Meleek Thomas headline a dynamic backcourt, combining for over 34 points per game. Acuff’s efficiency—42% from three, 54.9% from two—has helped keep the Razorbacks competitive, even against high-major opposition.
However, Arkansas has struggled at times on the glass, surrendering double-digit offensive rebounds to strong teams like Michigan State, Duke, and Louisville. The Razorbacks rank just 182nd in offensive rebounding and 142nd in defensive rebounding nationally, exposing a potential Achilles’ heel. If Acuff and Thomas are slowed or forced into tough shots, scoring depth becomes a question—only one other player averages double figures, and the supporting cast is inconsistent.
Defensively, Arkansas excels at three-point defense (28th nationally) and keeps opponents off the free-throw line. They thrive when they can dictate tempo, turning defense into transition opportunities.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech extended its win streak to three with an 82-58 victory over LSU, powered by Christian Anderson’s 27 points and LeJuan Watts’ double-double off the bench. The Red Raiders have two bona fide stars in Anderson (19.1 PPG, 7.0 APG) and big man JT Toppin (20.8 PPG, 11.8 RPG), giving them a reliable inside-out scoring punch.
Tech’s offense is built around Toppin’s ability to score and pass out of double teams, resulting in three-point attempts on nearly half of their possessions. They shoot 36% from deep but just 50% inside the arc—a product of their roster’s construction and streaky shooting from role players Jaylen Petty and Tyeree Bryan. If those shooters heat up, Texas Tech could quickly shift from good to elite offensively.
On defense, the Red Raiders force isolation possessions and limit assisted baskets to just 37% (second-best nationally). Opponents shoot 29% from three and 49% from two, mirroring Arkansas’s defensive strengths. Texas Tech’s rebounding is steadier than Arkansas’s, and their identity is well-established under coach Grant McCasland.
Recent History and X-Factors
The last time these teams met (NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, March 2025), Texas Tech survived 85-83 in overtime, with Arkansas covering as a 5.5-point underdog. That loss stung for the Razorbacks, who felt victory slip away late. This rematch is billed as a ‘revenge spot’ for Arkansas, but Texas Tech’s proximity to Dallas and its more balanced roster could tip the scales.
One potential wild card: bench production. LeJuan Watts has emerged as a key energy source for Texas Tech, while Arkansas will need breakout games from secondary scorers like Trevon Brazile or Karter Knox to keep pace if their stars are contained. Both teams play fast, but the Red Raiders’ experience and ability to force tough shots may be the difference in crunch time.
Expert Predictions and Betting Recommendations
There’s no clear consensus among analysts, which speaks to how evenly matched these squads are. SportsbookWire leans Arkansas for the moneyline, citing backcourt dynamism and a sense of unfinished business. Action Network prefers Texas Tech, highlighting their home-court-like setting in Dallas and more solidified identity.
- Arkansas 76, Texas Tech 73 – Razorbacks take the edge in a revenge game, according to SportsbookWire.
- Texas Tech -1.5 (play to -3) – Red Raiders cover the spread, per Action Network.
- Under 157.5 – Both teams have strong defensive trends and may keep the scoring in check.
For bettors, the advice is clear: this is a toss-up, and value may lie in the moneyline or the under, rather than the spread.
What’s at Stake?
Beyond bragging rights, this matchup is a litmus test for both programs. Arkansas wants to prove its young guards can thrive against elite competition and shore up its rebounding. Texas Tech seeks validation as a top-16 team after uneven performances and a blowout loss to Purdue. The winner walks away with a signature victory; the loser faces tough questions about depth and consistency heading into the heart of the season.
Ultimately, this game is a study in contrasts: raw talent versus established identity, revenge against home-state advantage, and dynamic guard play against interior power. While both teams have the pieces to win, Texas Tech’s steadier defense and balanced offense give them a slight edge—unless Arkansas’s stars seize the moment. Expect a battle decided in the final minutes, with every possession carrying weight.