Texas Tech Upset by Arizona State, JT Toppin Suffers Injury

In a stunning upset on Tuesday night, Arizona State defeated No. 13 Texas Tech 72-67 in Tempe. The game was marked by a late injury to Texas Tech star forward JT Toppin, adding another layer of complexity to the outcome.

A Costly Upset for Texas Tech

The loss ended a three-game winning streak for Texas Tech, which had recently secured a 78-75 overtime victory against then-No. 1 Arizona. The Red Raiders found themselves trailing 61-56 when Toppin sustained an injury with 6:03 remaining in the second half.

Toppin’s Injury Shifts Momentum

Toppin, a preseason All-America selection averaging 21.9 points per game, went down while driving to the basket, clutching his right leg. He required assistance to leave the court and did not return to the game, finishing with 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and four blocks. Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland confirmed the injury was to Toppin’s lower leg, but the severity remains unknown.

Did You Know? Arizona State’s victory over Texas Tech marked their first win against a nationally ranked opponent since January 21, 2025, when they defeated West Virginia 65-57.

The injury visibly impacted the Red Raiders, who regrouped to pull within three points (70-67) in the final seconds. However, a turnover by Christian Anderson extinguished their hopes of tying the game with a three-pointer.

Arizona State Secures a Significant Win

The victory is particularly meaningful for Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley, who has faced challenges in establishing consistent success during his 11 years with the programme. Hurley expressed concern for Toppin following the game, stating, “I hope he’s OK, and I hate to see a guy go out of a game like that. He’s one of the best players in the country.”

Expert Insight: An injury to a key player like JT Toppin can fundamentally alter a team’s trajectory, forcing adjustments in strategy and potentially impacting their overall performance throughout the remainder of the season. The immediate impact on team morale and the long-term effects on their ranking are significant considerations.

Despite the setback, Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland praised his team’s competitive spirit, noting, “I loved the group that was on the floor at the end and the fight.” He also suggested that a more consistent effort throughout the entire game could have yielded a different result.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the game?

Arizona State defeated Texas Tech 72-67.

When did JT Toppin sustain his injury?

JT Toppin was injured with 6:03 left in the second half while driving to the basket.

What did Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland say about the injury?

Grant McCasland stated that the injury was to Toppin’s lower leg and that they would need to get it looked at closely, adding that Toppin was “really disappointed.”

How will Texas Tech adjust its strategy in the wake of Toppin’s injury remains to be seen, but the team may need to rely more heavily on other players to fill the scoring void. The severity of Toppin’s injury will ultimately determine the long-term impact on the Red Raiders’ season, and a prolonged absence could significantly affect their postseason prospects.