LUBBOCK, TX — The No. 22 Texas Tech Red Raiders hosted the TCU Horned Frogs for a Big 12 matchup at United Supermarkets Arena on Wednesday night, Jan. 29. Without one of the Red Raiders' star players, Darrion Williams, Texas Tech had to play well on defense all night. Despite Williams' absence, the Red Raiders did what they had to do to secure another vital home-court conference victory 71-57.
JT Toppin played well for the Red Raiders in the first half. He shot 4/5 in the first 20 minutes for 10 points. Tech needed that production from the big man as his fellow Red Raiders struggled to hit from beyond the arc. Tech forced TCU to take contested shots early and went into the break with a 3-point lead, 32-29.
Texas Tech Red Raiders after the home victory vs. TCU on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
(South Plains LIVE! Photo/Ryan Chadwick)
In the 2nd half, the Red Raiders finally figured out some of their shooting problems to extend their lead to 12 before Tech finally pulled away with about eight minutes to play. Chance McMillan and Kerwin Walton made four key three-pointers to keep the Red Raiders ahead when TCU looked to take the lead.
TCU looked to make a comeback with five minutes to go. Tech missed several shots in a row to let the Horned Frogs pull back within seven points on a 7-0 run before the Red Raiders' defense came to life. Blocks from Frederiko Frederiko and then from Chance McMillan allowed Elijah Hawkins to drain a three-point shot the put the Red Raiders back up ten points. This basket essentially put the game out of reach and forced TCU to foul. Hawkins made those free throws to put the game to bed.
Texas Tech claimed victory on Wednesday night, 71-57.
Toppin and Hawkins talked about the win after the game. Watch that press conference below:
Texas Tech's JT Toppin Scores Against TCU
(Credit: texastech.com)
JT Toppin led the Red Raiders in scoring with 18 points. He also had 14 rebounds to claim the double-double and added four assists. Chance McMillan followed close behind Toppin with 16 points.
The Red Raiders return to action on Saturday, February 1, when Texas Tech travels to face off with No. 7 Houston on the road. Tip-off in that matchup is scheduled for 5 p.m.
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