In a clash that will be remembered for years, No. 16 Texas Tech pulled off a dramatic 78-75 overtime victory against No. 1 Arizona at the McKale Memorial Center, marking only the third time in program history the Red Raiders have beaten a top-ranked team. This win also marks Tech’s third victory over a top 10 team this season, cementing their reputation as giant slayers.
The star of the night was JT Toppin, who dominated with 31 points and 13 rebounds. Toppin was unstoppable in overtime, scoring eight of Tech’s 12 points, securing seven offensive boards, and recording his 16th double-double of the season. Christian Anderson also played a pivotal role, contributing 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, while Donovan Atwell’s clutch shooting added 11 points, including three triples that helped push the Red Raiders past the Wildcats.
Texas Tech showed remarkable resilience. Trailing by seven points with just over three minutes left in regulation, Toppin sparked a furious comeback. Free throws and a hook shot narrowed the gap, and Atwell’s late-game 3-pointer briefly gave Tech the lead before Arizona forced overtime with a late free throw. In the extra session, Toppin set the tone immediately, and Tech never looked back, eventually sealing the win with his final basket.
The Red Raiders’ performance was as much about physicality as scoring. Both teams finished with 26 points in the paint, but Tech’s aggressive approach—particularly on offense and transition defense—made the difference. Despite shooting only 11-for-33 from beyond the arc, the team capitalized on key moments, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
This win adds to Texas Tech’s impressive season resume, which already includes road victories over No. 1 Baylor and home wins against top-10 opponents Duke and Houston. The Red Raiders are now 3-2 against top 10 teams and 4-5 against ranked opponents overall.
Individually, Toppin and Anderson continue to make headlines. Both are in the top 20 of the Wooden Award race, with Toppin averaging 21.9 points and 11.0 rebounds per game and Anderson at 19.1 points and 7.7 assists. Atwell leads the team with 90 made 3-pointers, shooting 44.6% from long range, while Anderson has already hit 84 threes this season. Both are chasing the single-season record of 94 made 3-pointers set by Cory Carr in 1996-97.
Halftime had hinted at the excitement to come, with the teams tied at 32. Tech relied on strong contributions from Toppin, Anderson, and Leon Horner, who combined for 28 points in the first half. Despite Arizona’s slight edge in rebounds, Tech maintained composure and leveraged their opportunities off turnovers and timely shooting.
