With the Texas Tech Red Raiders coming to town, the Frogs’ coach said the team will work to utilize momentum from its victory over the Grambling State Tigers. Bouncing back from a loss against St. Mary’s College, the Horned Frogs beat Grambling State at home Friday night.

There are a few parts of the game the Frogs have been working on in order to be ready to take on Texas Tech, head coach Neil Dougherty said.

“We have been spending more time with free-throw shooting in practice, focusing on each individual’s ritual and routine,” Dougherty said. “I think we are in an unexplainable slump right now because I do believe we are better at free throw shooting than we have been showing.”

Dougherty said the Frogs will focus on picking up their intensity against the Red Raiders.

“We are trying to upgrade our ability to be more physical because Tech is going to present great size at every position,” Dougherty said.

Sophomore power forward Kevin Langford said that the Frogs need to make Tech play TCU’s style of game.

“We want to make them play at our tempo and pace,” Langford said.

Not having to rely on just one man to carry the team has been important so far this season, senior point guard Neil P. Dougherty said.

Dougherty and Langford agree that the Frogs are getting great play off of the bench.

“We have been getting a lot of contribution off the bench – that has been a real bright spot for us,” Dougherty said.

The excitement leading up to this game has been unparalleled, Dougherty said.

“The kids are going to be fired up and ready to play,” Dougherty said. “It is a big game, and everyone has been talking about this game before it even got here.”

However, the excitement and emotion involved in this game remains among one of the top issues for Dougherty.

“Quite frankly, one of the concerns I have is how our team will react to Daniel-Meyer Coliseum having people in it,” Dougherty said.

Doherty said certain aspects will be important to the Frogs’ success.

“A fast start will be important for us in terms of building confidence through the course of the game,” Dougherty said. “Staying out of foul trouble early is going to be very important because we are not as deep as their bench is, particularly up front.”

Facing off against Red Raiders head coach Bobby Knight is all about respect for Dougherty.

“It is exciting for me personally,” Dougherty said. “He is a sports icon, and he is a legend in college basketball who has been coaching the right way for a long time. I have a great deal of respect for him and what he has done.