JT Toppin ignited Texas Tech's crucial road win, dominating with 22 points and nine rebounds. His stellar play and sharp shooting spurred the Red Raiders' return to form.
No. 13 Texas Tech got exactly the response it needed Sunday afternoon, leaning on its stars and a sharp shooting performance to secure a 70-63 road win over West Virginia and snap a brief two-game slide.
Junior forward JT Toppin was the engine all afternoon, finishing with 22 points and nine rebounds while setting the tone on both ends of the floor.
The performance was a bounce-back showing for the Big 12’s third-leading scorer, who responded after being held to just 10 points earlier in the week.
Toppin’s activity in the paint and confidence from the perimeter helped Texas Tech maintain control from start to finish.
The Red Raiders also welcomed back Christian Anderson, and his return made an immediate impact. Anderson tallied 13 points and handed out a game-high 11 assists, consistently creating clean looks for teammates and keeping the offense flowing.
Tech leaned into its 3-point shot to build separation.
Donovan Atwell added 15 points and was one of several Red Raiders to connect from deep. Texas Tech knocked down 13 3-pointers on the day, a decisive advantage in a game where perimeter efficiency told the story. A quick flurry of threes midway through the second half helped push the lead to double digits and quiet the home crowd.
West Virginia made multiple pushes, led by Brenen Lorient’s 20 points, but struggled to sustain momentum.
The Mountaineers were unable to capitalize at the free-throw line and endured a cold shooting night from beyond the arc, making just two 3-pointers.
Texas Tech’s defense also limited leading scorer Honor Huff to six points, well below his season average.
Beyond the numbers, the matchup carried a personal storyline, as West Virginia head coach Ross Hodge faced longtime mentor Grant McCasland.
Texas Tech now returns home with renewed confidence and momentum, set to host Colorado on Wednesday as it continues its push in the Big 12 race.