LUBBOCK, Texas — In an impressive performance, JT Toppin secured 22 points and freshman sensation Christian Anderson contributed a season-best 21 points, including five three-pointers, during his inaugural starting match. The ninth-ranked Texas Tech triumphed over West Virginia with a score of 73-51 on Saturday evening.
Despite a sluggish beginning to the game, Toppin and the Red Raiders (21-6, 12-4 Big 12) managed to find their rhythm. The 6-foot-9 player, celebrated as the AP’s national player of the week, transformed his performance by hitting nine of his last ten shots after missing the first six attempts. Texas Tech initially found themselves trailing 24-15 after failing to connect on 18 of their first 23 attempts but rallied back to seize control with a commanding 15-3 run to finish the first half.
Amani Hansberry made a notable contribution for West Virginia (16-11, 7-9) by registering 14 points and 11 rebounds, marking his second consecutive double-double. Javon Small also added ten points to the scoreboard for the Mountaineers.
Christian Anderson filled in for Chance McMillian, who was sidelined due to a rolled right ankle sustained during Texas Tech’s narrow 69-66 defeat to TCU earlier in the week. Additionally, Kevin Overton and Elijah Hawkins each contributed ten points to the Red Raiders’ effort.
### Key Takeaways
West Virginia began the season strong with three victories against ranked teams but has struggled lately, losing three of their last four against ranked opponents. Meanwhile, Texas Tech has achieved 12 victories in its first 16 conference games, marking an unprecedented accomplishment in the 29-year history of the Big 12, surpassing their previous best records of 11-5 in both 2019 and 2022. Remarkably, the Red Raiders have yet to suffer consecutive losses this season.
### Critical Moment
Texas Tech finished the first half with a decisive 10-0 run, highlighted by six points from Overton and two layups from Toppin, taking a 30-27 lead into halftime.
### Notable Stat
West Virginia experienced a stark shooting decline, missing 25 of their last 33 attempts following Hansberry’s three-pointer that briefly put them ahead 27-20 with just over four minutes left in the first half.
### Upcoming Schedule
Texas Tech will face fifth-ranked Houston on Monday night, while West Virginia is set to host TCU on Tuesday night.
