LUBBOCK, TX — Texas Tech sophomore JT Toppin has been named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week after a series of standout performances in a three-game stretch for the Red Raiders.
Toppin opened the week with a dominant double-double, scoring 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in a win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He followed up with 15 points in a victory over Syracuse at the UKG Legends Classic. His most impressive outing came in a loss to Saint Joseph's, where he posted 22 points and a career-high 18 rebounds, including 12 offensive boards — the second-highest single-game total in program history.
Toppin is the first Texas Tech player to earn a Big 12 weekly award this season. Through six games, he leads the team with 19.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and three double-doubles. He is shooting 62.3% (48-for-77) from the field and has scored in double figures in every game.
During the three-game stretch, Toppin averaged 17 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. His 12 offensive rebounds against Saint Joseph's marked only the third time in program history that a player recorded double-digit offensive rebounds in a game, trailing Will Flemons' 15 against Houston in 1990.
A Dallas native, Toppin is in his first season at Texas Tech after transferring from New Mexico, where he earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year and All-Mountain West Second Team honors. Last season, he was a nine-time Mountain West Freshman of the Week. Over 42 career games, Toppin has amassed 564 points, 388 rebounds, 80 blocks, and 15 double-doubles.
The Red Raiders (5-1) will return to action on Friday against Northern Colorado at 7 p.m. at United Supermarkets Arena. Texas Tech enters the game on a 34-game non-conference home winning streak, with four victories at home this season.
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