"I actually sat down with my dad yesterday because he knows it's frustrating," Knight said on the Big 12 coaches teleconference Monday. "And we really talked. It's the kids' mentality. The first thing they want to do is play offense and defense is the hardest thing. He helped real me big."

The immediate result was an all-defensive practice Sunday that might not have been a whole lot of fun.

Texas Tech has allowed 10 more points in the second half than the opening 20 minutes through the first eight games.

"These kids can guard. I know they can do it. It's just getting them to do it at all times," Knight said. "The funny thing is - and you probably never thought you'd hear a Knight say this - I'm really pleased with our zone defense. I'm just not pleased with our man-to-man defense."

Knight feels the need to correct the problem soon, given the offensive talent Tech will see in Big 12 play. The Red Raiders have been limited by a rotation shortened by nagging ankle injuries to guard Nick Okorie and forward Michael Prince.

For what it's worth, Knight seemed to have no problem volunteering that he sought guidance from his famous father.

"The opinion comes from somebody that knows what they're talking about," he said.