Texas Tech Rises to No. 13 in AP Top 25 After Beating No. 1 Arizona

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The Texas Tech Red Raiders (19-6, 9-3) have moved up to No. 13 in the Associated Press Men's Basketball Top 25 after a massive 78-75 overtime victory on the road against previously top-ranked Arizona. Junior forward JT Toppin was named the Big 12 Player of the Week after scoring 31 points with 13 rebounds and zero turnovers in the win.

Why it matters

Texas Tech's victory over the No. 1 team in the country is a significant accomplishment that boosts their NCAA Tournament resume and national profile. Toppin's standout performance solidifies his status as one of the top players in the Big 12 and a candidate for national player of the year awards.

The details

Texas Tech handed Arizona their second loss of the season at the McKale Center, largely thanks to the efforts of sophomore guard Christian Anderson (19 points) and reigning Big 12 Player of the Year Toppin. Toppin scored 31 points on 13-of-22 shooting, grabbed 13 rebounds, and had zero turnovers against the top-ranked Wildcats. He became the first player in two decades to score 30+ points with a double-double and no turnovers against the No. 1 team.

• Texas Tech beat then-No. 1 Arizona 78-75 in overtime on Saturday.
• Toppin was named the Big 12 Player of the Week on Monday for his performance against Arizona.

What’s next

Texas Tech will travel to face Arizona State on Tuesday night. A win over the Sun Devils would continue to keep the Red Raiders in a three-way tie for third to fifth place in the Big 12 standings.