The Texas Tech Red Raiders basketball team concluded their 2024-25 regular season in spectacular fashion, securing a resounding 85-57 win over the Arizona State Sun Devils on Saturday night. This impressive victory, fueled by standout performances from JT Toppin and Christian Anderson, propelled the Red Raiders to the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Big 12 Tournament.
Toppin, a sophomore forward, continued his remarkable campaign with a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double, further solidifying his case for Big 12 Player of the Year. This marked his 14th double-double of the season and the 26th of his collegiate career. Arizona State, in particular, has felt the brunt of Toppin’s excellence, as he averaged 33 points and 12.5 rebounds in two games against the Sun Devils this year.
Meanwhile, freshman guard Christian Anderson delivered a scintillating performance, scoring 21 points and grabbing three rebounds. His 4-8 shooting from 3-point range, including a buzzer-beating deep shot from the center-court logo, provided a crucial spark for the Red Raiders.
Despite a sluggish start, which saw the Red Raiders lead by only four points at halftime, Texas Tech’s superior depth and talent eventually took its toll on the depleted Sun Devils. With Arizona State missing two regular rotation players, the Red Raiders capitalized on their opponent’s fatigue, outscoring them 49-25 in the second half to seal the convincing victory.
This triumph marked the Red Raiders’ 15th conference win of the season, a testament to their remarkable resilience and adaptability throughout the grueling 20-game Big 12 schedule. While they may not have secured the conference title, Texas Tech’s impressive regular season performance has set new program records for conference wins and conference road wins, cementing their status as a formidable force in the NCAA.
