LUBBOCK, Texas – The No. 10 Texas Tech Red Raiders are gearing up for their home finale against TCU on Tuesday night, fresh off a strong performance in their recent games. Under the leadership of head coach Grant McCasland, the team has enjoyed a remarkable month, winning six of their last seven contests. McCasland credits this success in part to a challenging non-conference schedule that featured matchups against top-tier teams such as then-No. 1 Purdue, Illinois, Arkansas, and Duke.
Reflecting on their rigorous schedule, McCasland stated, “We made this schedule because we felt like we had one of the best teams in the country.” He highlighted the contributions of players like Josiah Moseley, Luke Bamgboye, and Mariel Akuentok, alongside his stars JT Toppin and Christian Anderson, showcasing the depth and talent of the team. The energized atmosphere in practice, according to McCasland, is indicative of the team’s growth and potential for further development.
Following their thrilling 82-81 victory over Duke at Madison Square Garden, the Red Raiders faced fierce competition as they entered Big 12 play. Currently, five teams from the Big 12 are listed in the Associated Press Top 25, including No. 2 Arizona, No. 6 Iowa State, and No. 7 Houston—teams that Texas Tech has defeated.
In a recent update, Texas Tech climbed six spots in the AP poll to reach No. 10. Notably, point guard Christian Anderson has been named Big 12 Player of the Week for the second time this season, while shooting guard Donovan Atwell earned a spot on the “Big 12 Starting Five,” with both players contributing to a combined total of 206 made three-pointers this season.
Remarkably, the Red Raiders have maintained a perfect record of 3-0 without key player JT Toppin, securing victories against Kansas State, Cincinnati, and a notable win on the road against then-No. 4 Iowa State. McCasland expressed excitement in witnessing the team’s cohesion at this pivotal time in the season.
As they prepare to host TCU, who is also on a three-game winning streak, McCasland emphasized the formidable talent of the Horned Frogs, comparing them to the talented defenses they have faced previously. He stressed the importance of teamwork and sharing the ball against strong defenses to build confidence on the court.
Fans can look forward to an exciting matchup as the Red Raiders take on the Horned Frogs at 6 p.m. Tuesday night at the United Supermarkets Arena.