JT Toppin Makes Incredible Big 12 History in Texas Tech's Overtime Win Against Arizona

Texas Tech forward JT Toppin became only the second player in Big 12 history to record a 30-point double-double against an AP No. 1 team.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Texas Tech forward JT Toppin made Big 12 conference history in the Red Raiders' overtime win against Arizona. Toppin scored 31 points on 13-of-22 shooting with 13 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. He is only the second player in Big 12 history to record a 30-point double-double against an AP No. 1 team.

Why it matters

Toppin's historic performance helped Texas Tech pull off a major upset over the top-ranked Wildcats on the road. The win completely offsets the Red Raiders' earlier home loss to Kansas and shows they are a force to be reckoned with in the competitive Big 12 conference ahead of March Madness.

The details

Toppin became only the second player in Big 12 history to record a 30-point double-double against an AP No. 1 team. The first to do so was Devin Williams of West Virginia University in 2016. Toppin recorded his 16th double-double of the season and is now averaging 21.9 points and 11 rebounds per game.

  • On February 15, 2026, Texas Tech defeated Arizona 78-75 in overtime.

The players

JT Toppin

A junior forward for Texas Tech who scored 31 points with 13 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block in the overtime win against Arizona.

Grant McCasland

The head coach of the Texas Tech men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“JT Toppin was not going to be denied at the end of this game.”

— Grant McCasland, Head Coach (si.com)

“I love the fight of this team. JT and Christian weren't going to let us lose. You don't come into this building and win unless you're fighting and competitive. I love being part of this team.”

— Grant McCasland, Head Coach (si.com)

“Going into this game watching film, you see how physical they are in the way they dominate the paint. We talked about having a hit-first mentality. If you don't hit first, you're losing. On everything. On transition defense, when they're at the rim, sealing. When you're on a ball-screen, if you're not the most physical one when the shot goes up. We were 26-26 in the paint. That's the stat of the game.”

— Grant McCasland, Head Coach (si.com)

“We're not guessing -- this isn't luck. These dudes practice hard and put themselves in position every day. There's no shortcuts to this. It's a grind, and you've got to love it. These dudes love it.”

— Grant McCasland, Head Coach (si.com)

“In this league you better bring your best every night, literally every game, and that's what makes you better. That's what prepares you for March and April.”

— Grant McCasland, Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The Red Raiders will look to build on their impressive win over Arizona as they continue their Big 12 conference schedule, with key matchups against other top teams in the league ahead of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

JT Toppin's historic performance in Texas Tech's overtime win against the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats demonstrates the Red Raiders' ability to compete with and defeat the best teams in the country, positioning them as a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive Big 12 conference and the upcoming NCAA Tournament.