Texas Tech basketball faces Cincinnati in Lubbock with NCAA Tournament positioning on the line as Christian Anderson leads the charge.
March is lurking, and Texas Tech knows it. With four games left before the madness officially begins, the No. 16 Red Raiders return to United Supermarkets Arena Tuesday night for a high-stakes Big 12 clash against Cincinnati.
At 20-7 overall and 10-4 in conference play, Grant McCasland’s squad isn’t just playing for pride - they’re jockeying for NCAA Tournament seeding.
And they’re doing it without JT Toppin.
The Red Raiders lost their star forward to a season-ending ACL injury, a blow that could’ve derailed the stretch run.
Instead, Tech responded with a statement with a 100-72 demolition of Kansas State. Donovan Atwell and Christian Anderson combined for 47 points in that one, signaling that this roster has more than one gear.
Anderson has been the steady engine all season, averaging 19.1 points and 7.7 assists per game. When he’s dictating tempo and attacking downhill, Tech’s offense hums. Atwell’s shot-making adds another layer, especially in transition and from deep.
But Cincinnati isn’t flying into Lubbock to play the role of warmup act.
The Bearcats sit at 15-12 overall and 7-7 in Big 12 play, and they’re riding a four-game heater - including an 84-68 road takedown of No. 8 Kansas in Lawrence.
That kind of result grabs attention. Senior forward Baba Miller anchors Cincinnati with 13.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, providing a physical interior presence Tech will have to counter.
This one has implications on both sides.
A win helps Texas Tech solidify its standing and potentially climb the seed line. A loss, especially at home, muddies the waters heading into the final stretch.
WHAT: Cincinnati Bearcats (15-12, 7-7 Big 12) at No. 16 Texas Tech Red Raiders (20-7, 10-4 Big 12)
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 | 6 p.m. CT
WHERE: United Supermarkets Arena | Lubbock, TX | 15, 098
TV: ESPN2
BETTING ODDS via DraftKings
SPREAD: CIN +5.5
TOTAL: 141.5
MONEYLINE: OFF