Texas Tech Stuns No. 1 Arizona 78-75 in Overtime Behind JT Toppin’s Dominant Performance
Feb 14, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward JT Toppin (15) dribbles and dunks the ball during the first half of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
No. 16 Texas Tech delivered a stunning blow to college basketball’s top team, defeating No. 1 Arizona 78-75 in overtime at McKale Center on Saturday. The Red Raiders (19-6, 9-3 Big 12) were led by JT Toppin’s sensational performance of 31 points and 13 rebounds, as they handed Arizona (23-2, 10-2 Big 12) its second consecutive loss after opening the season 23-0.
Toppin was unstoppable throughout the contest, finishing 13-of-22 from the field while recording his 16th double-double of the season and 47th of his career. The preseason All-America selection scored eight of Texas Tech’s 12 points in overtime, including crucial baskets that gave the Red Raiders control of the extra session.
Toppin’s clutch play seals historic victory
The defining moment came in overtime when Toppin, after scoring three consecutive baskets for Texas Tech, drew Arizona’s defense and found Donovan Atwell open on the perimeter. Atwell’s 3-pointer gave the Red Raiders a 75-71 lead with two minutes remaining, effectively sealing the victory.
« I knew he was going to be over there, » Toppin said of the pass to Atwell. « We work on that every day. »
Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland praised his team’s preparation and dedication after the victory. « We’re not guessing. This isn’t luck, » McCasland said. « These dudes practice hard and put themselves in position every day. There’s no shortcuts to this. It’s a grind, and you’ve got to love it. These dudes love it. »
The Red Raiders weren’t a one-man show, as Christian Anderson contributed 19 points and eight assists while making six 3-pointers. Atwell finished with 11 points, including the clutch 3-pointer in overtime and another crucial shot with 25 seconds left in regulation that helped force the extra session.
Arizona’s Tobe Awaka, who recorded 16 points and 12 rebounds, had nothing but praise for Toppin’s performance. « He has a really quick second jump, » Awaka said. « He has great body placement, in terms of the ball and tracking it down. He seems to always be in the right place at the right time. Just kudos to him and the type of player he is. »
This marks just the third time in Texas Tech history that the program has defeated a No. 1-ranked team. The Red Raiders’ last victory over a top-ranked opponent came against Baylor on January 11, 2022, in a 65-62 win. McCasland summed up Toppin’s impact perfectly: « JT Toppin was not going to be denied at the end of this game. »
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