Texas Tech Faces Akron Without Injured Star JT Toppin

Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson returns from injury, but Akron enters NCAA Tournament opener fully healthy

Mar. 19, 2026 at 6:35am

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The Texas Tech Red Raiders will be without star forward JT Toppin, who suffered a torn ACL in late February, as they take on the Akron Zips in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. However, the Red Raiders will have guard Christian Anderson back after he missed time with a groin injury. Akron, on the other hand, is fully healthy heading into the matchup.

Why it matters

Texas Tech has the talent to make a deep tournament run, but the loss of Toppin, who was in contention for National Player of the Year, is a significant blow. Anderson's return is crucial, as he has been the team's leader in assists and a dominant scorer. Akron's health advantage could give them an edge in this first-round matchup.

The details

Toppin averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game before his season-ending injury. Anderson, who missed time with a groin injury, is back and will need to shoulder more of the scoring load without Toppin. Forward LeJuan Watts, who also suffered an ankle injury in the Big 12 Tournament, is expected to play. Akron, led by guard Tavari Johnson, is on a 10-game winning streak and fully healthy heading into the tournament.

  • JT Toppin suffered a torn ACL on February 17.
  • Christian Anderson missed time with a groin injury in the Big 12 Tournament.
  • LeJuan Watts injured his ankle in the Big 12 Tournament.

The players

JT Toppin

A star forward for Texas Tech who was in contention for National Player of the Year before suffering a season-ending torn ACL injury.

Christian Anderson

The Red Raiders' star guard who is returning from a groin injury and will need to lead the team in Toppin's absence.

LeJuan Watts

A Texas Tech forward who suffered an ankle injury in the Big 12 Tournament but is expected to play in the NCAA Tournament opener.

Tavari Johnson

The leader of the Akron Zips, who are on a 10-game winning streak heading into the tournament.

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What’s next

The winner of the Texas Tech-Akron matchup will advance to face the winner of the Duke-Gonzaga game in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Texas Tech's path to a deep tournament run just got more challenging with the loss of star forward JT Toppin, but the return of guard Christian Anderson provides a glimmer of hope. Akron's health advantage could make this a tougher-than-expected first-round matchup for the Red Raiders.