TUCSON, Ariz. — Texas Tech’s JT Toppin had already scored three baskets in overtime, so the next time he got the ball, Arizona’s defense collapsed, trying to beat someone else besides the preseason All-America selection.
Toppin obliged.
6-foot-9 forward Donovan Atwell whipped the ball back to where he was waiting. The guard made a 3-pointer that was key to a 78-75 road victory over No. 16 Texas Tech on Saturday.
“I knew he was going to be there,” Toppin said. “We work on it every day.”
Atwell’s pass capped an exciting day for Toppin, who had arguably his best all-around performance of the season with 31 points on 13-of-22 shooting, 13 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. Although the Red Raiders (19-6, 9-3 Big 12) have been somewhat inconsistent this season, Toppin has been consistent, scoring at least 10 points in 21 straight games.
Texas Tech beat a No. 1 team for just the third time in school history. Last time out was a 65-62 win over Baylor on Jan. 11, 2022.
Red Raiders coach Grant McCausland said Toppin’s pass is indicative of the team’s dedication as it navigates a tough conference schedule. Texas Tech has won three in a row.
“We’re not guessing. It’s not luck,” McCausland said. “These guys train hard and put themselves in position every day. There are no shortcuts to it. It’s a grind, and you have to love it. These guys love it.”
Toppin finished with his 16th double-double of the season and 47th of his career and is now averaging 21.9 points and 11 rebounds per game. He played all but 41 seconds in Saturday’s win, showing incredible stamina in a tough game between two of the most physical teams in the country.
He was at his best in the opening minutes of overtime, scoring on tip-ins and an array of low-post moves that Arizona couldn’t defend.
The Wildcats had nothing but good things to say about his post game.
“He got a really quick second jump,” said Arizona forward Tobey Awaka, who had 16 points and 12 rebounds. “He has great body position on the ball and tracking it. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Just admire him and the type of player he is.”
Texas Tech was not a one-man show on Saturday. Christian Anderson scored 19 points after making six 3-pointers. Atwell finished with 11, including a clutch 3 in overtime and a 9-0 run from behind the arc with 25 seconds left that capped the Red Raiders’ run and helped push the game into overtime.
Still, Toppin is the team’s All-America selection for a reason. He lived up to the billing on a huge stage in a tumultuous street environment.
“JT Toppin will not be denied at the end of this game,” McCausland said.
