Texas Tech was riding high after a statement road win over the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats in Tucson, Arizona last Saturday — one of the biggest wins of the Red Raiders’ season and another upset that put Tech in headlines around the country.
But the celebration was short-lived. Just days later, the Red Raiders fell to the unranked Arizona State Sun Devils in Tempe, splitting the road trip and raising questions about consistency down the stretch.
Head coach Grant McCasland said the focus quickly shifted to accountability and improvement.
“As disappointing as losses are — specifically this one right now — it’s on to figuring out how you can improve,” McCasland said. “My heart is toward self-accountability and what you’ve got to look at to help yourself get better. Then let’s move forward and find a way to improve.”
The bigger blow came late in that game, when junior forward JT Toppin went down with what the university later confirmed was a torn ACL that will rule him out for the rest of the season. Toppin — a preseason All-American averaging more than 20 points and 10 rebounds per game — led Tech in scoring, rebounding and blocks, and had just posted 31 points and 13 boards in the upset of Arizona.
McCasland said the injury shook the team, but not its resolve.
“Yeah, it definitely knocked us on our heels a little bit,” McCasland said. “But we’ve got a competitive group. We got it to a one-possession game and gave ourselves a chance late, which is what you want.”
With defenses now likely shifting their focus toward sophomore guard Christian Anderson — who leads the Big 12 in assists — Tech will need more production from its supporting cast.
Senior guard Donovan Atwell and redshirt junior LeJuan Watts are the only other Red Raiders averaging double figures, and both could see expanded roles as postseason play approaches.
Now, without its leading scorer and rebounder, Texas Tech faces a new test: finding enough balance to stay in the Big 12 race and keep its postseason hopes alive.
For JT Toppin — who had been projected as an NBA draft pick this summer — the injury now brings a major decision. He can still declare for the draft, or return to college and pursue a medical redshirt. If granted, that waiver could give Toppin another year of eligibility and he could return to play for the 2027-28 season.