JT Toppin’s Historic Night Lifts No. 16 Texas Tech Over Top-Ranked Arizona in Overtime Thriller
In a game that had all the makings of a March classic, JT Toppin delivered a performance for the ages. The Texas Tech forward dropped 31 points and pulled down 13 rebounds-without a single turnover-as the No.
16 Red Raiders stunned No. 1 Arizona, 78-75 in overtime, on the Wildcats’ home floor Saturday night.
Let’s put this in perspective: according to ESPN, Toppin is the only player in at least the last two decades to post 30+ points, 10+ rebounds, and zero turnovers against a top-ranked team. That’s not just rare-it’s unprecedented. And he did it on the road, in one of the toughest environments in college basketball.
Toppin’s night wasn’t just about the numbers-it was about the moments. He hit big shots in crunch time, cleaned up the glass when it mattered most, and played with a poise that belied his age. His 13-for-22 shooting line tells the story of a player in total control of his game, attacking with confidence and finishing with finesse.
He now joins an exclusive club alongside former North Carolina standout Luke Maye as the only players in recent memory to put up 30 and 10 in a road win over a No. 1 team. Maye did it in 2019 against Duke. Now, Toppin’s name is etched into that same elite territory.
But Toppin didn’t do it alone.
Sophomore guard Christian Anderson was a steadying force in the backcourt, adding 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. His ability to orchestrate the offense, especially late in regulation and into overtime, gave Texas Tech the composure it needed to close out the win. Donovan Atwell chipped in with 11 points, giving the Red Raiders three players in double figures.
This wasn’t just a big win-it was a statement. Saturday marked Texas Tech’s fourth victory over a ranked opponent this season.
They’ve already taken down BYU (No. 11 at the time), Houston (No. 6), and Duke (No. 3).
Add Arizona to that list, and Grant McCasland’s squad is building a résumé that demands national attention.
For a program that hadn’t beaten a No. 1 team since edging Baylor in January 2022, this win carries weight. Especially considering their last shot at a top-ranked team-a 30-point drubbing at the hands of Purdue back in November-ended in disaster. The growth since that night has been remarkable.
On the other side, Arizona finds itself in unfamiliar territory. After starting the season 23-0, the Wildcats have now dropped two straight, with this one coming just days after a loss to Kansas. Saturday’s defeat stings even more given the circumstances-Arizona played the entire second half and overtime without Koa Peat, their second-leading scorer, who exited with a lower-body injury.
Even so, the Wildcats had their chances. Brayden Burries and Tobe Awaka each scored 16, with Awaka hauling in 12 rebounds off the bench.
Starting center Motiejus Krivas added a double-double of his own with 10 points and 11 boards. But without Peat, Arizona’s offense lacked its usual rhythm, and Texas Tech took full advantage.
This game had everything-history, grit, and a finish that reminded us why college basketball in February feels like a preview of the madness to come. And thanks to JT Toppin’s unforgettable night, Texas Tech walks away with one of the biggest wins of the season.