In a tightly contested overtime matchup on Saturday, the No. 16 Texas Tech Red Raiders toppled the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats 78-75.
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Both offenses had relatively cold nights, but Arizona carved out a seven-point advantage midway through the first half. But with seven seconds to go before halftime, Wildcats star Koa Peat left the game and was ruled out for the second half due to a lower leg injury.
Despite missing their first option, the Wildcats persisted and held their composure. Strong defense allowed them to open up another seven-point lead with just over three minutes to play.
That’s when JT Toppin and Texas Tech strung together a strong scoring run to close the second half on a tie.
The Red Raiders scored the first points of overtime and never lost the lead again, despite a valiant effort from the Wildcats.
Toppin finished with 31 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 13-for-22 from the floor.
For Arizona, Brayden Burries and Tobe Awaka each put up 16 points.
Texas Tech is now 19-6 on the season while Arizona falls to 23-2 with the loss.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
