Texas Tech's trip to Tempe, Arizona, turned into a night to forget, as the Red Raiders faced a tough road game against Arizona State. In a surprising twist, Texas Tech not only suffered an unexpected defeat but also witnessed a concerning injury to their standout player, JT Toppin.
The game was a rollercoaster for Texas Tech, with Toppin leading the charge before his injury. He was on fire, scoring 20 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and swatting away four shots. His performance was the backbone of the Red Raiders' effort.
Christian Anderson and Donovan Atwell stepped up, adding 18 and 12 points respectively, bringing the top trio's contribution to a solid 50 points. However, the rest of the squad managed just 17 points, highlighting the challenge of losing Toppin's influence on the court.
With this loss, Texas Tech's record stands at 19-7 overall and 9-4 in the Big 12. The road ahead looks uncertain as the team has leaned heavily on Toppin's skills to drive their success. The depth of the roster will be tested, and finding a way to fill the void left by Toppin won't be easy.
The Red Raiders are set to return to Lubbock for a clash with Kansas State on Saturday, February 21, at 1:30 p.m. Fans are hoping for some positive updates on Toppin's condition before then, as his presence is crucial for the team's aspirations moving forward.