UPDATE: In a stunning upset, No. 16 Texas Tech defeated No. 1 Arizona 78-75 in overtime on February 4, 2023, marking the Wildcats’ second consecutive loss. This shocking result occurred at the McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona, as Texas Tech (19-6, 9-3 Big 12) handed Arizona (23-2, 10-2) a critical blow in their pursuit of a championship.
With just 3:29 left in regulation and a 64-57 lead, Arizona seemed poised for victory. However, Texas Tech rallied with a decisive 9-0 run, culminating in a critical corner three-pointer from Donovan Atwell that gave them a 66-64 lead with only 25 seconds remaining. Despite Arizona’s Ivan Kharchenkov tying the game with two free throws, Christian Anderson’s last-second shot fell short, sending the game into overtime.
The overtime period showcased Texas Tech’s JT Toppin, who scored eight of his game-high 31 points during this crucial stretch. Toppin dominated the boards with 13 rebounds and shot an impressive 13-of-22 from the field, solidifying his status as a preseason All-America selection with his 47th career double-double. Anderson added 19 points, including six three-pointers, while Arizona’s Tobe Awaka and freshman Brayden Burries each contributed 16 points.
Arizona’s defeat was compounded by the absence of star freshman Koa Peat, who was sidelined with a lower-body injury after scoring just two points in the first half. Backup guard Dwayne Aristode was also unavailable due to illness, leaving coach Tommy Lloyd with a shorthanded six-man rotation, which proved detrimental in the high-stakes environment of this matchup.
Texas Tech’s victory not only marks the third time in school history that they have defeated a No. 1 ranked team but also raises questions about Arizona’s championship aspirations as they head into the final stretch of the season. The Wildcats, who were previously undefeated at 23-0, must regroup quickly to maintain their standing in the conference.
With their next game approaching, Arizona will need to address their injury concerns and find ways to regain momentum. Texas Tech, on the other hand, will look to build on this momentum as they continue their push in the Big 12.
Stay tuned for the latest updates and analysis on these developments as both teams prepare for their upcoming matchups.
