Texas Tech's loss goes from bad to devastating as star player JT Toppin injured

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No. 13 Texas Tech suffered a 72-67 defeat to Arizona State, but the bigger concern is the injury to star forward JT Toppin, who went down late in the second half grabbing his lower right leg. Toppin had to be helped off the court and did not return, leaving the Red Raiders rattled and their season outlook uncertain pending a medical update on the severity of the injury.

Why it matters

Toppin is the anchor of the Texas Tech team, averaging a double-double and providing scoring, rebounding, defense, and leadership. His injury could reshape the ceiling of the Red Raiders' season if it's serious, as they were surging and looked like a team that could make noise in March before this setback.

The details

With just over six minutes left and Texas Tech trailing 61-56, Toppin drove hard to the rim and went down grabbing his lower right leg. He had to be helped off the court and did not return, briefly sitting on the bench before heading to the locker room. Before exiting, Toppin had 20 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks - a typical stat line for the star player. Without Toppin, Texas Tech looked rattled and Arizona State pushed the lead to 11, though the Red Raiders fought back to cut it to 70-67 late before a turnover ended their comeback bid.

• With just over six minutes left in the second half, Toppin went down with the injury.
• Toppin briefly sat on the bench before heading to the locker room.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The waiting begins for Texas Tech to get a medical update on the severity of Toppin's lower right leg injury, which will determine if this is a scare that toughens them up or a serious setback that reshapes the ceiling of their season.