TEMPE, Ariz. — JT Toppin delivered an impressive performance with 25 points and 11 rebounds, leading No. 9 Texas Tech to a commanding 85-57 victory over Arizona State in the regular-season finale for both teams. This win highlights Texas Tech’s strong finish as they prepare for the Big 12 Tournament.
Helping to secure the victory, freshman guard Christian Anderson matched his season high with 21 points, including four crucial 3-pointers off the bench for the Red Raiders. The team, holding a record of 24-7 overall and 15-5 in the Big 12, set a new school record for conference victories. Toppin, a strong candidate for Big 12 Player of the Year, grabbed his 14th double-double this season. Adding to the scoring, Kerwin Walton contributed 11 points, hitting three 3-pointers.
Earlier in the day, Texas Tech already secured the No. 2 seed for the Big 12 Tournament following Kansas’ triumph over Arizona. Despite the loss, Arizona State saw standout performances from Basheer Jihad, who tied his career high with 22 points, and Joson Sanon, who added 16 points for the struggling Sun Devils, now 13-18 overall and 4-16 in conference play.
The Red Raiders held a narrow 36-32 lead at halftime, thanks in part to Anderson’s 3-pointer at the buzzer, before outpacing Arizona State 49-25 in the second half. In their previous matchup against Arizona State on February 12, Toppin was also dominant with 41 points, aiding his team in setting a program record for points scored in a conference game with a thrilling 111-106 overtime win in Lubbock.
Key insights from the game include Texas Tech setting a personal best with their 15th conference win within the expanded Big 12, surpassing their 14-4 conference record from 2019. Arizona State faced challenges playing without their top scorers, BJ Freeman and Adam Miller, who together scored 43 points in their prior encounter against Texas Tech in Lubbock.
During a critical phase in the game, Toppin showcased his versatility with a sequence that included a rebound, three-point play, assist, blocked shot, and a tip-in, expanding Texas Tech’s lead to 10 points and igniting a decisive run in the second half.
Noteworthy for Texas Tech, they achieved 12 three-pointers during the game, marking at least 10 successful three-pointers in 19 games this season, which stands as another record for the team. They average 10.1 three-pointers per game, ranking second in the Big 12.
Looking ahead, Texas Tech will have a break to prepare for their opening match in the Big 12 Tournament on Thursday, with their opponent yet to be determined. Meanwhile, Arizona State, placed as the 15th seed, is scheduled to face Kansas State in the first round on Tuesday.
