No. 16 Texas Tech Faces Tough Test at No. 4 Iowa State

Red Raiders look to continue winning without preseason All-American JT Toppin

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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No. 16 Texas Tech heads to Ames, Iowa to take on No. 4 Iowa State in a key Big 12 Conference matchup. The Red Raiders have won their last two games without preseason All-American JT Toppin, who is out for the season with a knee injury. Texas Tech's point guard Christian Anderson has stepped up in a big way, but the Cyclones present a formidable challenge with their strong defense and balanced scoring attack led by Joshua Jefferson.

Why it matters

This game has major implications in the Big 12 standings, as both teams are tied for second place behind conference leader Arizona. The winner will gain an advantage in the race for a top-4 seed in the Big 12 Tournament and potentially an NCAA Tournament seeding boost.

The details

Texas Tech has adjusted well to playing without Toppin, with Anderson leading the way with strong performances in the last two games. However, Iowa State presents a much tougher test with their stifling defense and balanced scoring. The Cyclones are undefeated at home this season and will look to use that home-court advantage to slow down the Red Raiders' high-powered offense.

  • Texas Tech lost Toppin to a season-ending knee injury in a road loss at Arizona State.
  • The Red Raiders have won their last two home games against Kansas State and Cincinnati without Toppin.
  • This will be Texas Tech's first game outside of Lubbock without their star forward.

The players

Christian Anderson

Texas Tech's point guard who has elevated his game in Toppin's absence, averaging 21 points and 10 assists in one game and 31 points and 7 assists in another.

Joshua Jefferson

Iowa State's leading scorer at 16.6 points per game, who has also garnered Big 12 Player of the Year buzz with his all-around contributions.

T.J. Otzelberger

Iowa State's head coach who praised Texas Tech's offensive firepower and the speed of their backcourt.

Grant McCasland

Texas Tech's head coach who acknowledged the challenges of playing against Iowa State's stifling defense and tough home-court environment.

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What they’re saying

“Their speed is real. Anderson is as dynamic as any lead guard in the country in terms of playmaking, decision-making, shooting and scoring.”

— T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State Head Coach (statenews.net)

“They're one of the best defensive teams in the country and one of the most connected. They haven't lost a home game and present all kinds of challenges. They have great senior leadership, are tough and are competitive in every aspect of the game.”

— Grant McCasland, Texas Tech Head Coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

The winner of this game will gain an advantage in the race for a top-4 seed in the Big 12 Tournament and potentially an improved NCAA Tournament seeding.

The takeaway

This matchup between two of the Big 12's top teams will be a true test of Texas Tech's ability to adapt and succeed without their preseason All-American JT Toppin. Iowa State's stifling defense and home-court advantage make them a formidable opponent, but the Red Raiders' backcourt firepower led by Christian Anderson could be the difference.