In the heart of the United Supermarkets Arena, Texas Tech fans were buzzing with anticipation, wondering how the team would fare without JT Toppin. Expectations were mixed, but the Red Raiders had a statement to make, and they did so emphatically, racking up 100 points.
Donovan Atwell stepped up, delivering a standout performance on both ends of the court. Tasked with guarding KSU's top scorer, PJ Haggerty-who typically averages nearly 24 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds-Atwell held him to just 17 points and 2 assists.
Offensively, Atwell was on fire, hitting 6 of 9 from beyond the arc and finishing with 26 points.
Coach Grant McCasland and his team wasted no time in adjusting their offensive strategy. Moving away from their familiar pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop plays with Christian Anderson and JT Toppin, they showcased a dynamic new approach.
The offense flowed with drives, kick-outs, and sharp perimeter passing, creating open looks and opportunities for cutters in the lane. On the boards, the Red Raiders were relentless, with Luke Bamgboye grabbing 6 rebounds, Marial Akuentok 4, Josiah Moseley 5, and LeJuan Watts contributing 6 more.
This effort led to a decisive 12-rebound advantage over the Wildcats.
Replacing a player like Toppin is no small feat, but Texas Tech is proving that it's a team effort. Each player is stepping up, and as they continue to elevate their game, the possibility of a strong NCAA tournament run remains alive. Toppin's absence is felt, but his influence on their 20-win season is undeniable.
Next up, the Red Raiders face the Cincinnati Bearkats on Tuesday night at 6 PM in the United Supermarkets Arena. The journey continues, and the team is ready to show they can thrive, even without one of their stars.