Lubbock, Texas – No. 13 Texas Tech faced Kansas State Saturday afternoon at United Supermarkets Arena, with the Red Raiders seeking to continue their strong home record in Big 12 play. The game came after a challenging road trip for Texas Tech, which included a 78-75 overtime victory against then-No. 1 Arizona and a 72-67 loss at Arizona State.
Texas Tech entered the contest with a 19-7 overall record and a 9-4 mark in conference games. Kansas State, meanwhile, was 11-15 overall and 2-11 in the Big 12, having recently broken a six-game losing streak with a 90-74 win over Baylor.
A significant blow to the Red Raiders’ lineup was the absence of JT Toppin, who suffered an ACL tear in his right knee during the game at Arizona State. Toppin, the 2024-25 Big 12 Player of the Year and a Consensus Second Team All-American, had been averaging 21.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game – the only player in the nation averaging a double-double with over 20 points.
Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland acknowledged the challenges of the recent schedule and the importance of returning to their home court. “It was a wild last couple games that we’ve had as a program,” McCasland said. “It’s great to be back in the USA playing a home game against an outstanding opponent in Kansas State. I believe they played their best game of the year the last time out. We’re looking forward to Saturday and the opportunity to compete.”
Kansas State ranks fourth in the Big 12 in three-point shooting, connecting on 36.6% of their attempts from beyond the arc. Texas Tech averages 81.4 points per game, slightly more than the 80.4 points Kansas State typically concedes. The Wildcats also average 9.8 made three-pointers per game, 3.3 more than Texas Tech allows.
During the game, Kansas State interim head coach Matthew Driscoll was observed directing his team from the sidelines. Texas Tech’s Marial Akuentok completed a dunk, even as Taj Manning of Kansas State battled Luke Bamgboye for a rebound. Donovan Atwell and Nate Johnson were also seen in action, with Atwell shooting over Johnson in the first half.
With only five regular-season games remaining for the Red Raiders, the outcome of Saturday’s game held significant implications for their standing in the Big 12 Conference.
