No. 16 Texas Tech rallies to beat No. 1 Arizona 78-75 in OT

Wildcats suffer second straight loss after previously being undefeated

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a stunning upset, the No. 16 Texas Tech Red Raiders defeated the previously undefeated and top-ranked Arizona Wildcats 78-75 in overtime on Saturday. JT Toppin led the way for Texas Tech, scoring 31 points including 8 in the overtime period. The loss was Arizona's second straight after falling to No. 9 Kansas earlier in the week.

Why it matters

This result shakes up the college basketball landscape, as Arizona was the last remaining undefeated team in Division I. Texas Tech's victory over the top-ranked Wildcats is a major statement win that could impact seeding and momentum heading into the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Texas Tech overcame a 64-57 deficit in the final minutes of regulation, going on a 9-0 run capped by a Donovan Atwell 3-pointer to take a 66-64 lead. Arizona's Ivan Kharchenkov tied it at 66 to send the game to overtime. In the extra period, Toppin took over, scoring 8 of his game-high 31 points to lead the Red Raiders to the upset victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • Arizona's previous loss came on Monday, February 10, 2026 against No. 9 Kansas.

The players

JT Toppin

A preseason All-America selection who finished with 31 points and 13 rebounds for Texas Tech.

Tobe Awaka

Scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for Arizona in the losing effort.

Brayden Burries

Arizona freshman who also scored 16 points.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge win for our program and shows the kind of team we have. I'm proud of the way our guys battled back and made the plays we needed to pull off the upset.”

— Mark Adams, Texas Tech Head Coach (wbal.com)

“We just didn't make the plays down the stretch that we needed to. Texas Tech deserves a lot of credit, they really came in here and took it to us.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Arizona Head Coach (wbal.com)

What’s next

Texas Tech will look to build on this signature win when they travel to face Arizona State on Tuesday, February 18th. Arizona, meanwhile, will try to rebound when they host BYU on Wednesday, February 19th.

The takeaway

This result underscores the parity and unpredictability in college basketball this season. Texas Tech's ability to rally and defeat the nation's top-ranked team on the road is a testament to their toughness and resilience, and serves notice that they are a force to be reckoned with moving forward.