Arizona State Upsets No. 13 Texas Tech, Star Forward JT Toppin Suffers Injury
TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State defeated No. 13 Texas Tech 72-67 on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Desert Financial Arena, in a game marred by an injury to Red Raiders star forward JT Toppin. Associated Press and Texas Tech Athletics reported on the upset.
Sun Devils Secure Upset Victory
Maurice Odum led Arizona State with 23 points, while Massamba Diop contributed 14 points to the victory. The Sun Devils utilized an aggressive full-court press to pull away in the second half and hold off a late push from Texas Tech. This win marked Arizona State’s first victory over a ranked opponent since January 2025.
JT Toppin Suffers Injury
The game took a significant turn when Texas Tech forward JT Toppin suffered a leg injury with approximately six minutes remaining in the second half. He did not return to the game. Sports Illustrated reported that Toppin was assisted off the court by the Red Raiders’ medical staff.
Toppin’s Performance Before Injury
Prior to his injury, Toppin led the Red Raiders with 20 points and 8 rebounds, adding four blocks and two steals. He shot 8-for-18 from the field. His absence was a significant blow to Texas Tech’s chances of a comeback.
Texas Tech Struggles and Future Schedule
Christian Anderson added 18 points, six assists, and six rebounds for Texas Tech, while Donovan Atwell scored 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting from three-point range. But, the Red Raiders committed too many turnovers, which led to transition baskets for Arizona State, according to Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland.
Texas Tech (19-7, 9-4 Big 12) will return home to host Kansas State on Saturday and Cincinnati on February 24 at United Supermarkets Arena. The Red Raiders are 12-1 at home this season.
Impact of Toppin’s Injury
Toppin, an AP preseason All-American, is averaging 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game this season. Any extended absence due to injury would be a significant setback for Texas Tech’s Big 12 title hopes and NCAA tournament aspirations.