LAWRENCE, Kan. โ JT Toppin delivered a standout performance with 21 points, propelling the No. 10 Texas Tech to a significant 78-73 victory over Kansas on Saturday. This triumph marked only the second time in Texas Techโs history that they have emerged victorious at Allen Fieldhouse, improving their record to 2-22 in that venue.
Adding to the Red Raidersโ success, Christian Anderson contributed 15 points and Darrion Williams chipped in with 14. This win moved Texas Techโs overall record to 22-7 and 13-5 within the Big 12 conference. Meanwhile, KJ Adams Jr. showcased his talent for the Jayhawks with a 21-point game, although the team ultimately fell to a 19-10 overall record, including 10-8 in the conference this season.
Texas Tech staged a decisive surge early in the second half, transforming a six-point deficit into an eight-point lead with a potent 16-2 run. By halftime, the Red Raiders held a 48-37 advantage.
One key aspect of the game was Texas Techโs remarkable resilience in the face of pressure. Despite a daunting record at Allen Fieldhouse, they remained unflustered by the tumultuous environment, countering Kansasโs scoring bursts with poise.
Kansas, on the other hand, seemed to momentarily lack the killer instinct necessary to close out the game. While they managed to erode the Red Raidersโ lead several times, a sustained advantage proved elusive.
A pivotal moment occurred when, with the game tied at 73-apiece, Williams nailed a crucial 3-pointer that restored Texas Techโs lead and sealed the gameโs outcome. Overall, the Red Raiders significantly outshone Kansas from the beyond the arc, scoring 45 points to Kansasโs 12.
Looking ahead, Texas Tech will host Colorado on Wednesday night, while Kansas faces a challenging matchup as they travel to play No. 4 Houston on Monday night.