LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — In a game that was expected to be a closely contested matchup, the ninth-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders managed to overcome a slow start and delivered a devastating blow to the West Virginia Mountaineers, winning 73-51 on Saturday.
Leading the charge for the Red Raiders was JT Toppin, who scored an impressive 22 points, helping his team to secure a dominant victory. However, the real story of the game was the emergence of freshman Christian Anderson, who had a season-high 21 points with five 3-pointers in his first career start.
Anderson's performance was a significant factor in the Red Raiders' win, as his accuracy from beyond the arc helped to stretch the Mountaineers' defense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Despite the slow start, Texas Tech's offense eventually found its rhythm, with Toppin and Anderson leading the way.
The Mountaineers, on the other hand, struggled to find their footing, unable to contain the Red Raiders' offense. West Virginia's defense was porous, allowing Texas Tech to shoot a high percentage from the field and dominate the rebounding battle.
The win was a significant one for the Red Raiders, who were looking to bounce back from a tough loss earlier in the week. With the victory, Texas Tech improved its record and remained in contention for a top seed in the conference tournament.
For West Virginia, the loss was a disappointing one, as the Mountaineers were looking to pull off a major upset and boost their own tournament resume. Instead, they were left to regroup and refocus, looking to bounce back from the tough defeat.
The game was a testament to the depth and talent of the Texas Tech roster, as the Red Raiders were able to overcome a slow start and still manage to win by a wide margin. With Toppin and Anderson leading the way, Texas Tech looks poised to make a deep run in the tournament, and the win over West Virginia was a significant step in that direction.