Christian Anderson erupts for 31 points and 11 rebounds as No. 16 Texas Tech beats Cincinnati 80-68 without injured star JT Toppin.
No JT Toppin? No problem ... at least not Tuesday night. With their All-American forward sidelined for the season, No. 16 Texas Tech needed someone to grab control of the moment. Christian Anderson didn’t just step up, he exploded.
The junior guard poured in 31 points and ripped down a career-high 11 rebounds, powering the Red Raiders to an 80-68 win over Cincinnati at United Supermarkets Arena.
It marked Texas Tech’s second straight victory since Toppin’s knee injury, and it sent a clear message across the Big 12 ... this team isn’t folding.
Anderson’s stat line told the story. Known primarily for his playmaking - he came in with seven double-doubles this season, all via points and assists - this time he did the dirty work on the glass.
He added seven assists for good measure, notching his eighth double-double of the year and the first of his career, fueled by rebounds.
Texas Tech (21-7, 11-4 Big 12) seized control late in the first half. Anderson sparked a 15-2 run with an aggressive drive, and sharpshooter Donovan Atwell capped it with one of his four 3-pointers. Atwell finished with 12 points, all from beyond the arc, while LeJuan Watts chipped in 13.
Cincinnati (15-13, 7-8 Big 12) didn’t go quietly. Moustapha Thiam delivered 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Jalen Celestine added 13 as the Bearcats tried to build off their upset win at Kansas.
But every time Cincinnati made a push, Anderson answered - including a personal nine-point burst early in the second half that slammed the door.
Without Toppin’s inside dominance, Texas Tech is evolving. The offense is spreading the floor, leaning into perimeter shooting and guard play.
If Anderson continues to combine scoring, rebounding and leadership like this, the Red Raiders remain a serious NCAA Tournament threat.
Next up: a road test at No. 4 Iowa State ... and another opportunity to prove this isn’t just a feel-good story.