JT Toppin scored 22 points, freshman Christian Anderson had a season-high 21 points with five 3-pointers in his first career start and ninth-ranked Texas Tech beat West Virginia 73-51. Toppin and the 21-6 Red Raiders overcame a slow start Saturday to defeat the Mountaineers and solidify their position in the Big 12 standings.
Texas Tech initially struggled to find their rhythm, as West Virginia's defense stifled their offense in the early going. However, Toppin and Anderson soon found their footing, combining for 43 points to lead the Red Raiders to a commanding victory.
Anderson's impressive performance was a welcome surprise for Texas Tech, as the freshman guard made the most of his first career start. His five 3-pointers helped to stretch the defense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates, including Toppin, who consistently found ways to score in the paint.
Despite the slow start, Texas Tech's defense was strong throughout the game, holding West Virginia to just 51 points. The Red Raiders' stingy defense has been a key factor in their success this season, and Saturday's performance was no exception.
The win marked a significant milestone for Texas Tech, as they improved to 21-6 on the season and bolstered their chances of earning a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. With several tough games remaining on their schedule, the Red Raiders will look to build on their momentum and make a deep run in the postseason.
Toppin and Anderson will be crucial to Texas Tech's success in the coming weeks, as they face off against some of the top teams in the Big 12. If they can continue to play at a high level, the Red Raiders may be a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Tournament.