Balance, defense, and depth power Texas Tech into Big 12 play

No. 15 Texas Tech enters Big 12 play riding significant momentum after delivering one of its most complete performances of the season. The Red Raiders rolled past Winthrop 87-57 on Sunday at United Supermarkets Arena, extending their winning streak to three games and improving to a perfect 7-0 at home. The victory also pushed Texas Tech’s non-conference home winning streak to 46 games, a testament to the program’s sustained dominance in Lubbock.

From the opening tip, the Red Raiders left little doubt about the outcome. Texas Tech opened on a 7-0 run and quickly escalated the pressure, unleashing a massive 24-0 surge that turned a competitive matchup on paper into a runaway. That run pushed the score to 35-4 and effectively ended the contest before the midpoint of the first half. By halftime, Tech held a commanding 59-21 advantage and spent the remainder of the game managing the lead while continuing to assert control on both ends of the floor.

Christian Anderson was the catalyst once again, delivering a standout all-around performance with 29 points, six rebounds, and five assists. The sophomore guard continues to establish himself as one of the most dynamic players in the conference, now averaging 20.6 points and 7.1 assists per game. His offensive efficiency was evident throughout the afternoon, highlighted by strong shooting from the perimeter and perfect execution at the free-throw line.

Jaylen Petty provided a major boost in his first career start, scoring a career-high 20 points on an efficient 6-for-8 shooting performance. His ability to attack the basket and convert at the line added another dimension to the Red Raider offense. JT Toppin recorded his seventh double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds, continuing a consistent stretch of interior production. Donovan Atwell rounded out the balanced scoring effort with 14 points, including four three-pointers, giving Texas Tech four players in double figures.

Offensively, the Red Raiders were sharp and unselfish, finishing with 14 assists on 27 made baskets. They knocked down 10 of 26 attempts from beyond the arc and were nearly flawless at the free-throw line, converting 23 of 26 attempts. Defensively, Tech was just as impressive. Winthrop entered the game averaging over 90 points per contest, but the Eagles were held to just 31.7 percent shooting overall and a frigid 16 percent from three-point range. Forced into 15 turnovers, Winthrop never found a rhythm against Texas Tech’s pressure and activity.

The performance reflected a team growing in confidence and cohesion as conference play approaches. The Red Raiders showed improved ball movement, defensive intensity, and the ability to sustain focus for extended stretches, especially in the opening 20 minutes.

Texas Tech will look to carry that momentum into Big 12 action when it hosts Oklahoma State on Saturday, January 3, at noon. With a challenging conference slate ahead, the Red Raiders appear to be peaking at the right time, armed with depth, balance, and a home-court advantage that continues to be one of the most formidable in college basketball.