For a lot of reasons, the pressure is off for 18th-ranked Texas Tech and No. 3 Baylor when they collide Sunday afternoon in Waco, Texas.

Just don't expect any of those reasons to tempt either team to let up in their second showdown this season and their last game prior to tournament play.

The Red Raiders improved their lot in the upcoming Big 12 tournament by winning their third game in a row on Thursday, topping Iowa State 81-54. That leaves Texas Tech (17-8, 9-7 Big 12) in sixth place - which allows the Red Raiders to avoid a game on the first day of the league tournament and the potential of four games in four days.