No. 13 Texas Tech Feels It's 'Scratching Surface,' Ready for ASU

Red Raiders look to build on upset of No. 1 Arizona as they visit Arizona State

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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No. 13 Texas Tech heads to Tempe, Ariz., on Tuesday night to face Arizona State riding momentum from its 78-75 upset victory at then-No. 1 Arizona on Saturday. Texas Tech (19-6, 9-3 Big 12) has won three consecutive games after losing two straight, and coach Grant McCasland says the team is "just scratching the surface." Arizona State (13-12, 4-8) has not played since Feb. 10 when it beat Oklahoma State at home.

Why it matters

This matchup features two teams heading in different directions. Texas Tech is looking to build on its big upset win over No. 1 Arizona, while Arizona State is trying to string together consecutive wins for the first time since early December. The outcome could have implications for both teams' postseason hopes, with Texas Tech aiming to solidify its NCAA Tournament standing and Arizona State needing a miracle late-season run to become an at-large contender.

The details

Texas Tech is led by reigning Big 12 Player of the Year JT Toppin, who is averaging 21.9 points and 11 rebounds per game. He is coming off a 31-point, 13-rebound performance in the win over Arizona. Christian Anderson also had a big game for the Red Raiders, scoring 19 points and dishing out 8 assists. Arizona State will counter with 7-foot-2 freshman Massamba Diop, who is averaging 13.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game, and point guard Maurice Odum, who is scoring 17 points per game. The Sun Devils have struggled with rebounding this season, ranking last in the Big 12 with a minus-2.7 differential per game.

  • Texas Tech (19-6, 9-3 Big 12) has won three consecutive games after losing two straight.
  • Arizona State (13-12, 4-8) has not played since Feb. 10 when it beat Oklahoma State at home.

The players

JT Toppin

The reigning Big 12 Player of the Year is averaging 21.9 points and 11 rebounds per game for Texas Tech.

Christian Anderson

The Texas Tech point guard had 19 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds in the win over Arizona.

Massamba Diop

The 7-foot-2 freshman is averaging 13.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game for Arizona State.

Maurice Odum

The Arizona State point guard is averaging 17 points and 6 assists per game after previously playing for Pacific and Pepperdine.

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What they’re saying

“We don't have it all figured out. We're just scratching the surface.”

— Grant McCasland, Texas Tech Head Coach (statenews.net)

“JT and Christian weren't going to let us lose. JT Toppin was not going to be denied at the end of this game.”

— Grant McCasland, Texas Tech Head Coach (statenews.net)

“It looks like we figured out how to rebound. I thought the balance was really good. We set the tone early in the game with establishing our ability to get some rebounds.”

— Bobby Hurley, Arizona State Head Coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

A win over Texas Tech would enhance Arizona State's NET ranking, which stood at No. 71 through the weekend. The Red Raiders' NET ranking was No. 16. The Sun Devils also have opportunities against Kansas and Iowa State to conclude the season.

The takeaway

This game features two teams heading in opposite directions. Texas Tech is riding high after a big upset win over No. 1 Arizona, while Arizona State is still searching for consistency. The outcome could have major implications for both teams' postseason hopes, with the Red Raiders looking to solidify their NCAA Tournament standing and the Sun Devils needing a miracle late-season run to become an at-large contender.