The ninth-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders overcame a sluggish start to secure a convincing 73-51 win over the West Virginia Mountaineers on Saturday. JT Toppin led the charge with 22 points, while freshman Christian Anderson made a stellar debut as a starter, scoring a season-high 21 points and sinking five three-pointers.
Toppin, the reigning AP national player of the week, struggled early on, missing his first six shots. However, he regained his form, making nine of his last 10 attempts to help the Red Raiders dominate the Mountaineers. Texas Tech’s victory marked their 21st win of the season, improving their record to 21-6 overall and 12-4 in the Big 12 conference.
The Red Raiders faced an early deficit, trailing 24-15 after missing 18 of their first 23 shots. However, they rallied with a 15-3 run to close out the first half, taking a lead they would never relinquish. West Virginia’s Amani Hansberry recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, his second consecutive double-double performance. Javon Small added 10 points for the Mountaineers.
Anderson’s impressive performance came as a result of Chance McMillian’s absence due to a rolled ankle sustained during Tuesday’s 69-66 loss to TCU. McMillian, the Big 12’s top three-point shooter, was replaced by Anderson in the starting lineup. Kevin Overton and Elijah Hawkins contributed 10 points each for the Red Raiders.
The victory marked a significant bounce-back for Texas Tech, who had suffered a narrow defeat to TCU earlier in the week. The Red Raiders’ win over West Virginia demonstrated their resilience and ability to adapt to adversity, as they look to maintain their momentum in the highly competitive Big 12 conference.
As the college basketball season continues to unfold, Texas Tech’s victory over West Virginia serves as a testament to the team’s depth and determination. With Toppin and Anderson leading the charge, the Red Raiders are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
In related news, the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll continues to provide weekly updates on the nation’s top teams. Fans can stay up-to-date with the latest rankings and news by signing up for AP Top 25 Poll Alerts.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders’ 73-51 victory over the West Virginia Mountaineers marked a significant win for the team, as they look to build momentum in the Big 12 conference. With their sights set on a deep NCAA tournament run, the Red Raiders will continue to rely on the leadership and talent of players like JT Toppin and Christian Anderson.
