TUCSON, Ariz. (KCBD) – The No. 16 Texas Tech Red Raiders (19-6, 9-3 Big 12) added another signature win by knocking off the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats 78-75 in overtime Saturday night at the McKale Center- their third win in history over the AP\u2019s No. 1 team.<\/p>\n
With 3:15 left in regulation, the Wildcats held a 64-57 lead. That was before forward JT Toppin and guard Donovan Atwell guided the Red Raiders on a 9-0 run. <\/p>\n
While Atwell was 3-9 in three point attempts, the his final two came at perfect time. With 25 seconds left in the second half, his shot gave the Red Raiders a 66-64 lead. Minutes later, his three-pointer gave Tech a 75-71 lead with two minutes left in OT, making it a two-score game.<\/p>\n
Although Atwell\u2019s three-pointers were once again clutch, point guard Christian Anderson led from behind the perimeter where he was 6-of-15, many of shots kept Texas Tech within striking distance throughout the first half.<\/p>\n
Toppin had one of his best outings Saturday night as with 31 points and 13 rebounds, and was the first to do so against an AP No. 1 team since 2019. He was also 5-for-7 from the free-throw line.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy teammates, they keep encouraging me. The \u2018Toughest Team Wins\u2019, and the toughest team won tonight,\u201d Toppin said while being interviewed by ESPN\u2019s Kris Budden after the game. He also said he was \u2018banged up\u2019 after the hard-fought win, but it was to be expected in the Big 12 level of competition.<\/p>\n
With 4.5 seconds left in OT, forward LeJuan Watts made one of two free throws, and gave Tech a 78-75 lead. Wildcat guard Jaden Bradley was unsuccessful on his three-point attempt when time expired, and the Red Raiders left with the victory. <\/p>\n
This win will likely boost Texas Tech\u2019s ranking in the Associated Press poll which will be released noon Monday. Coming into the game, Arizona was already expected to drop since they lost to the Kansas Jayhawks 82-78 on the road earlier this week.<\/p>\n
Arizona\u2019s standout forward freshman Koy Peat was limited to two points in the first half, and did not play in the second half because of a lower body injury- according to ESPN\u2019s broadcast.<\/p>\n
The Red Raiders will stay in the Grand Canyon State, where they will prepare for a late Tuesday night showdown with Arizona State. Tip-off scheduled for 10 p.m. CT.<\/p>\n
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