The Texas Tech Red Raiders, ranked No. 13, are set to face Kansas State at home without their star player JT Toppin, who suffered a season-ending knee injury. This matchup comes as Kansas State is experiencing a resurgence under interim coach Matthew Driscoll.
The Impact of JT Toppin’s Injury
The loss of JT Toppin is significant for Texas Tech. Toppin was not only a preseason All-American but also the 2025 Big 12 Conference Player of the Year. He averaged 21.8 points per game and led the conference in rebounding with 10.8 rebounds per game. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, especially considering he was one of the few players in the country averaging a 20-10 double-double, alongside Duke’s Cameron Boozer.
Kansas State’s Revival Under Matthew Driscoll
Kansas State’s change in coaching leadership has brought new life to the team. Under interim coach Matthew Driscoll, the Wildcats achieved a significant win against Baylor, with P.J. Haggerty and Nate Johnson scoring 34 and 33 points, respectively. This performance marked the first time since 2008 that two Kansas State players scored 30 points in the same game.
The Wildcats have consistently shown offensive prowess, averaging 80.6 points per game. However, their defense has been a concern, allowing 80.4 points per game and struggling with rebounding. The recent win over Baylor, where they managed to contain their opponents to 74 points, suggests an improvement in their defensive strategy under Driscoll.
Looking Ahead to the Matchup
The upcoming game between Texas Tech and Kansas State will be a test for both teams. Texas Tech must adapt to playing without JT Toppin, potentially starting Luke Bamgboye or Josiah Moseley in the frontcourt. The team will rely heavily on its talented guard trio of Christian Anderson, Donovan Atwell, and Jaylen Petty, who have been instrumental in Texas Tech leading the Big 12 in 3-pointers made and ranking second in 3-point accuracy.
For Kansas State, the challenge will be to build on the momentum gained from their win over Baylor. P.J. Haggerty, the Big 12’s second-leading scorer with 23.7 points per game, will be crucial to their offense, alongside Nate Johnson, who averages 12.0 points and leads the team with 4.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game.
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