UPDATE: In a stunning upset, No. 16 Texas Tech defeated No. 1 Arizona 78-75 in overtime on February 10, 2024, marking the Wildcats’ second consecutive loss. JT Toppin’s overtime explosion, where he scored eight of his total 31 points, propelled Texas Tech to victory, sending shockwaves through college basketball.
The loss is particularly significant for Arizona (23-2, 10-2), who now finds themselves reeling after a previous defeat to No. 9 Kansas just days earlier. The Wildcats had previously held a commanding 23-0 record before this downward spiral began.
Arizona appeared to be in control, leading 64-57 with just 3:29 left in regulation. However, Texas Tech (19-6, 9-3 Big 12) fought back with a stunning 9-0 run, culminating in Donovan Atwell’s crucial corner three-pointer that put them ahead 66-64 with only 25 seconds remaining.
“We knew we had to dig deep, and we did just that,” Toppin said post-game. “It’s about believing in each other.”
Arizona’s Ivan Kharchenkov managed to tie the game at 66 with two free throws, but Christian Anderson’s contested jumper at the buzzer fell short, sending the game into overtime.
In the extra period, Toppin dominated, showcasing a mix of skillful tip-ins and low-post maneuvers. He shot 13-of-22 from the field and added 13 rebounds, securing his 47th career double-double. Teammate Anderson contributed significantly as well, netting 19 points and hitting six three-pointers.
Arizona faced additional challenges during the match, losing star freshman Koa Peat to a lower-body injury in the second half. Peat had only managed two points and one rebound before exiting. The Wildcats were already short-handed, with backup guard Dwayne Aristode sidelined due to illness, leaving head coach Tommy Lloyd with a limited six-man rotation.
The Wildcats had led for most of the first half until Texas Tech edged ahead 30-29 on Toppin’s jumper with 2:04 left before halftime. The teams entered the break tied at 32, but Texas Tech’s resilience proved decisive in the final moments of the game.
As the college basketball landscape shifts dramatically, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Arizona rebounds from this shocking defeat. The Wildcats must regroup quickly as they face pressure to maintain their status as a top contender.
For Texas Tech, this victory marks a significant milestone, as it is the third time in school history that they have defeated the No. 1 ranked team. The Red Raiders will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their season.
Stay tuned for further updates as we monitor the aftermath of this thrilling game.
