Texas Tech basketball heads into the Big 12 Tournament without star forward JT Toppin, testing the Red Raiders’ depth and title hopes.
The Texas Tech basketball team enters the Big 12 Tournament with something to prove and a major hole in its lineup.
The Red Raiders, seeded No. 4 in the Big 12 Tournament, arrive in Kansas City after a tough regular-season finish and the season-ending loss of star forward JT Toppin.
Despite closing conference play with a 12-6 record, Texas Tech’s momentum slowed late after back-to-back losses to TCU and BYU. The final setback against the Cougars exposed several issues, particularly on the glass.
Head coach Grant McCasland didn’t mince words afterward.
“They haven't been playing their best basketball, but I thought they had a second half where they played great,” McCasland said.
“This environment really made a difference in this game. I love our team and love what we can be, but when you give up 20 offensive rebounds and get crushed in the paint like we did today, it's going to be hard to win.”
The Red Raiders’ defensive struggles inside became the defining storyline of that loss.
“This was a real game against a great team that I thought found their edge tonight in a physical way,” McCasland added.
“They didn't shoot it great early, but they didn't look discouraged, and their switch ability caused us problems. What they did on the glass was the difference.”
Now Texas Tech must quickly regroup for the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals, where the Red Raiders will face either Iowa State, Arizona State, or Baylor on Wednesday.
Oddsmakers aren’t particularly optimistic.
According to BetMGM, Texas Tech holds +1300 odds to win the Big 12 Tournament, the fifth-best odds in the field. Teams like Kansas, Iowa State, Houston, and top-seeded Arizona are all favored ahead of the Red Raiders.
But the biggest obstacle for Texas Tech isn’t the bracket—it’s the absence of its best player.
JT Toppin, who averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds in 25 games, suffered a torn ACL last month against Arizona State. The injury occurred on a non-contact drive to the basket and immediately ended his season.
Toppin’s production and presence in the paint were central to Texas Tech’s identity.
Without him, the Red Raiders will need new leaders to emerge quickly.
The path to a conference title still exists, but Texas Tech needs three wins in three days. The margin for error has shrunk dramatically.
And now, the question facing the Red Raiders is simple. Can they rediscover their edge at exactly the right time?