Texas Tech Aims to Avoid Letdown Against Arizona State

No. 13 Red Raiders look to complete Arizona sweep after big win over No. 1 Wildcats

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders will attempt to avoid an emotional letdown when they take on the Arizona State Sun Devils in Tempe, Arizona. After a monumental victory over No. 1 Arizona in Tucson, the Red Raiders must now refocus and bring the same energy against an Arizona State team that has struggled at home in Big 12 play.

Why it matters

Texas Tech's win over Arizona was a major statement victory that could propel them to new heights this season. However, the Red Raiders must now prove they can sustain that level of play and avoid a letdown against a less formidable opponent in Arizona State. This game will test Texas Tech's maturity and ability to handle success.

The details

Arizona State has considerable size in the frontcourt with 7-foot-1 freshman Massamba Diop and two 6-foot-11 starters, but the Sun Devils have struggled on the glass and defensively, allowing opponents to shoot 46% from the field and 35% from 3-point range. Texas Tech's high-powered offense could take advantage of ASU's defensive woes, with the Red Raiders potentially reaching the 90-point mark.

  • The game tips off at 10:00 p.m. CT on February 17, 2026.

The players

Grant McCasland

The head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Massamba Diop

A 7-foot-1 freshman center for the Arizona State Sun Devils who averages 14 points and 6 rebounds per game.

Maurice Odum

The leading scorer and assist man for the Arizona State Sun Devils, averaging 17 points and 6 assists per game.

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What they’re saying

“Inevitably after a team records a victory as monumental as Texas Tech's over No. 1 Arizona in Tucson there is a danger of a huge emotional letdown in the next game.”

— Joe Yeager, Author (247sports.com)

What’s next

The Red Raiders will look to avoid a letdown and complete the Arizona sweep when they take on the Sun Devils on February 17th.

The takeaway

This game will test Texas Tech's maturity and ability to handle success after their big win over Arizona. If the Red Raiders can maintain their focus and energy, they have a chance to dominate an Arizona State team that has struggled at home in conference play.