Arizona State Stuns No. 13 Texas Tech with Dominant Defense

The Sun Devils revive their tournament hopes with a 72-67 victory over the Red Raiders.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 10:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The unranked Arizona State Sun Devils (14-12, 5-8 Big 12) pulled off a shocking upset over the 13th-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders (19-7, 9-4) on Tuesday night, winning 72-67 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe. The Sun Devils played stifling defense and received strong performances from Moe Odum, Massamba Diop, and Santiago Trouet to overcome the absence of injured starting guard Bryce Ford.

Why it matters

This win is a major boost to Arizona State's fading NCAA Tournament hopes, as they were coming off a week-long break following a win over Oklahoma State. The Sun Devils were able to overcome the loss of a key starter and knock off one of the hottest teams in the country in Texas Tech, who had just taken down Arizona in Tucson.

The details

Arizona State trailed early but fought back to take a 37-36 lead at halftime. In the second half, the Sun Devils continued to play tough defense, limiting Texas Tech's offense. Moe Odum led the way with 23 points, while Massamba Diop added 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks. An injury to Texas Tech's J.T. Toppin around the 7-minute mark stalled the Red Raiders' comeback attempt, and Arizona State was able to close out the game.

  • The Sun Devils are coming off of a week-long break following an 85-76 triumph over Oklahoma State last Tuesday.
  • Texas Tech secured one of the most impressive wins by any team this season by taking down Arizona in Tucson over the weekend.
  • Arizona State suffered a significant setback heading into the game, as starting guard Bryce Ford was ruled out prior to the game due to a lower-body injury.

The players

Moe Odum

Arizona State's starting point guard, who led the team with 23 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Massamba Diop

Arizona State's starting center, who contributed 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Santiago Trouet

Arizona State forward who had 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

J.T. Toppin

Texas Tech player who suffered an untimely injury around the 7-minute mark, stalling the Red Raiders' comeback attempt.

Bobby Hurley

Arizona State's head coach, who employed a bold defensive strategy that helped the Sun Devils pull off the upset.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Arizona State is set to hit the road for a two-game trip over the next week - they will take on Baylor on Saturday and TCU on February 24.

The takeaway

This win is a major boost to Arizona State's fading NCAA Tournament hopes, as they were able to overcome the loss of a key starter and knock off one of the hottest teams in the country in Texas Tech. The Sun Devils' stifling defense and balanced scoring effort proved to be the difference in this upset victory.