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Texas Tech's Grant McCasland Prioritizes Defense, Says JT Toppin
The Red Raiders' junior forward reveals his coach's focus on defense as the key to their success this season.
Published on Feb. 19, 2026
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Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland has prioritized playing strong defense this season, according to junior forward JT Toppin. Toppin, who recently earned his fourth Big 12 Player of the Week award, says the team's unselfish mindset and commitment to communication on defense has been crucial to their success, including a historic win over then-No. 1 Arizona. McCasland emphasizes that the Red Raiders' ability to defend well will be the difference as they prepare to face Arizona State on the road.
Why it matters
Texas Tech's focus on defense aligns with the program's identity under McCasland, who has built a reputation for fielding tough, gritty teams. The Red Raiders' defensive-minded approach has helped them emerge as a contender in the competitive Big 12 conference, and their recent upset of Arizona showcases their potential to be a force to be reckoned with this season.
The details
Toppin, who scored 31 points and recorded a double-double in the win over Arizona, says the team's decision to prioritize defense over individual stats has been key. McCasland echoes this sentiment, noting that the Red Raiders' ability to defend well will be crucial against an Arizona State team with a prolific offense.
- Texas Tech defeated then-No. 1 Arizona in overtime on February 11, 2026.
- Toppin's 31-point, 13-rebound performance against Arizona earned him his fourth Big 12 Player of the Week award.
The players
Grant McCasland
The head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, known for building tough, defensive-minded teams.
JT Toppin
A junior forward for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, who recently earned his fourth Big 12 Player of the Week award after a dominant performance against Arizona.
What they’re saying
“We got a really unselfish team this year. We just gotta keep staying together and we're going to win on defense. So we just gotta keep playing defense the way we're playing.”
— JT Toppin, Junior Forward (The Jim Rome Show)
“It's really a decision at the end of the day. If the whole team decides that they want to play defense and just play for each other, communicate. Because communication is a big part of it. So I think it's definitely a decision.”
— JT Toppin, Junior Forward (The Jim Rome Show)
“Just how well can we defend is going to be the difference.”
— Grant McCasland, Head Coach (Texas Tech Athletics)
What’s next
The Red Raiders will face Arizona State on the road on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, in a matchup that will test their defensive prowess.
The takeaway
Texas Tech's focus on defense under Grant McCasland has been the key to their success this season, as evidenced by their historic win over then-No. 1 Arizona. The Red Raiders' commitment to playing unselfish, communicative defense has made them a formidable team in the Big 12, and they will look to continue this approach as they face a tough road test against Arizona State.
