Texas Tech Stuns No. 1 Arizona in Overtime, Shakes Up Big 12 Power Structure
If you thought the Big 12 race was intense before, buckle up-because Texas Tech just blew the doors off the conversation.
In one of the most dramatic upsets of the season, the No. 16 Red Raiders marched into Tucson and knocked off the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats in overtime, walking away with a gritty three-point win that’s going to echo far beyond this weekend.
This wasn’t just a win-it was a statement. And it’s one that’s going to have ripple effects across the national rankings and the Big 12 standings.
With the victory, Texas Tech improves to 9-3 in conference play, joining Iowa State and Kansas in a three-way tie just behind the top two teams in the league. That trio now sits squarely in the hunt, and with just a few weeks left in the regular season, the Big 12 has officially entered chaos mode.
Arizona’s Fall from the Top
Arizona’s recent stumble has been sudden and surprising. The Wildcats were rolling through conference play, but now they’ve dropped two straight-first a tough road loss to Kansas, followed by this overtime heartbreaker at home to Texas Tech. That puts them at 10-2 in Big 12 play, and while they’re still very much in the thick of the title race, the margin for error just got razor thin.
What’s more, both of those losses came at the hands of teams now tied for third in the standings. That’s not just a bad week-it’s a red flag for a team that had been cruising at No.
- The Wildcats are still 23-2 overall, but the pressure is mounting, and their grip on the conference lead is officially gone.
Houston Takes the Lead
Enter the Houston Cougars. After quietly stacking wins, Houston now finds itself alone at the top of the Big 12 with an 11-1 conference record and a 23-2 mark overall.
They’ve been consistent, disciplined, and downright tough on both ends of the floor. While the spotlight had been on Arizona, Houston has been building something that looks increasingly like a championship-caliber team.
Now, with Arizona slipping, the Cougars are in the driver’s seat. But with a conference this deep, they’ll need to keep their foot on the gas.
The Big 12’s Crowded Contenders
Let’s talk about that logjam behind the top two. Iowa State, Kansas, and Texas Tech are all sitting at 9-3 in Big 12 play.
And here’s the kicker-two of those three just took down Arizona. That’s the kind of résumé boost that can change the narrative for a team in February.
- Texas Tech: The Red Raiders are surging at just the right time. Their win over Arizona wasn’t just about the scoreboard-it was about poise.
Going into a hostile environment and grinding out an overtime win against the No. 1 team in the country? That’s the kind of performance that builds belief in a locker room.
- Kansas: The Jayhawks did what Kansas does-win big games when it matters.
Their recent victory over Arizona was vintage Bill Self basketball: tough defense, timely shooting, and just enough grit to get it done.
- Iowa State: The Cyclones have flown a bit under the radar, but they’re right in the thick of it. With a 22-3 overall record, they’ve been one of the most consistent teams in the country.
And now, they’re positioned to make a serious push.
Full Big 12 Standings Snapshot
Here’s how things stack up after a wild week:
- Houston Cougars - 23-2 overall, 11-1 Big 12
- Arizona Wildcats - 23-2 overall, 10-2 Big 12
- Iowa State Cyclones - 22-3 overall, 9-3 Big 12
- Kansas Jayhawks - 19-6 overall, 9-3 Big 12
- Texas Tech Red Raiders - 19-6 overall, 9-3 Big 12
- BYU Cougars - 19-6 overall, 7-5 Big 12
- West Virginia Mountaineers - 16-9 overall, 7-5 Big 12
- UCF Knights - 17-7 overall, 6-6 Big 12
- TCU Horned Frogs - 16-9 overall, 6-6 Big 12
- Cincinnati Bearcats - 13-12 overall, 5-7 Big 12
- Oklahoma State Cowboys - 16-9 overall, 4-8 Big 12
- Arizona State Sun Devils - 13-12 overall, 4-8 Big 12
- Colorado Buffaloes - 14-12 overall, 4-9 Big 12
- Baylor Bears - 13-12 overall, 3-9 Big 12
- Utah Utes - 9-15 overall, 1-10 Big 12
- Kansas State Wildcats - 10-15 overall, 1-11 Big 12
What’s Next?
With the top of the standings this tight, every game down the stretch is going to feel like March. Houston has the edge for now, but the Cougars still have to navigate a minefield of contenders who’ve already proven they can knock off giants. Arizona will look to regroup quickly, while Texas Tech, Kansas, and Iowa State are all eyeing a path to the top.
The Big 12 isn’t just deep-it’s dangerous. And after this weekend, one thing is clear: No one’s safe, and everyone’s got something to prove.