No. 16 Texas Tech Outlasts No. 1 Arizona in OT Thriller

JT Toppin's big night leads Red Raiders to upset victory over top-ranked Wildcats

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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JT Toppin scored 31 points, including 8 in overtime, to lead No. 16 Texas Tech to a thrilling 78-75 victory over No. 1 Arizona in a college basketball matchup. The Red Raiders overcame a late deficit in regulation before pulling away in the extra period to hand the previously unbeaten Wildcats their second straight loss.

Why it matters

This upset win over the nation's top-ranked team is a major boost for the Texas Tech program, which is looking to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. For Arizona, the back-to-back losses raise questions about the team's ability to maintain its dominant start to the season.

The details

Toppin recorded a double-double with 13 rebounds to go along with his game-high 31 points. Christian Anderson added 19 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds for the Red Raiders. Arizona had five players score in double figures, led by 16 points from Tobe Awaka and Brayden Burries. The Wildcats were without freshman standout Koa Peat, who missed the second half due to a lower-body injury.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 15, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona.
  • Texas Tech has now won three straight games.

The players

JT Toppin

A standout junior forward for Texas Tech who recorded a double-double with 31 points and 13 rebounds in the upset win.

Christian Anderson

The Texas Tech senior guard played all 45 minutes and finished with 19 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds.

Tobe Awaka

The Arizona sophomore forward led the Wildcats with 16 points.

Koa Peat

The highly touted Arizona freshman forward did not play in the second half due to a lower-body injury.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough game against the No. 1 team, but our guys stepped up and made the plays when it counted most. JT was phenomenal, and Christian really controlled the tempo for us.”

— Mark Adams, Texas Tech Head Coach (Field Level Media)

What’s next

Texas Tech will look to build on this signature win as they continue their Big 12 conference schedule, while Arizona will try to regroup and regain its early-season form.

The takeaway

This thrilling overtime victory against the nation's top-ranked team is a major statement win for the Texas Tech program, proving they can compete with the best in college basketball. For Arizona, the back-to-back losses raise concerns about the team's ability to maintain its dominance, especially with the potential loss of star freshman Koa Peat to injury.