Texas Tech is facing a tough road ahead after star forward JT Toppin suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Tuesday night's matchup against Arizona State. Toppin, who has been averaging an impressive 21.8 points per game, was a cornerstone for the Red Raiders. His absence will undoubtedly shake up the Big 12 landscape.
This injury comes at a critical juncture for Texas Tech, as they were gearing up for a strong push towards the Big 12 title. While the Red Raiders remain a formidable team, the path for other contenders just became a bit smoother.
Kansas, led by Bill Self, may find their route to the Big 12 Championship slightly less daunting. The Jayhawks have already shown their ability to take down top contenders like Arizona and Iowa State. With a crucial matchup against Houston still on the horizon, Kansas has the chance to further solidify their standing.
Even with Toppin on the court, Kansas managed to overcome Texas Tech, and now, without him, their defensive strategy might face fewer challenges. Texas Tech still poses a significant threat, but the dynamics have shifted.
The Jayhawks have experienced their own ups and downs this season, but an impressive eight-game win streak has propelled them towards the top of the conference. Winning their remaining regular-season games, particularly against Arizona and Houston, could pave the way for another Big 12 title run.
The Big 12 race is wide open. Arizona has shown vulnerability, and Houston has had its share of struggles. With the talent Kansas possesses, they are in a prime position to capitalize on every opportunity and make a strong push for the championship.