PHOENIX – Arizona State men’s basketball has its best performance in over a month in Lubbock against No. 12 Texas Tech. ASU had lost eight of its past 10 games and came into 16.5-point underdogs. However, that didn’t stop the Sun Devils from bringing the fight against the Red Raiders, having their best offensive game of the season with five players scoring 15+ points. ASU and Texas Tech threw haymakers back and forth in a game that went into double overtime.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Despite the Sun Devils’ best efforts, sophomore JT Toppin dropped a career-high 41 points and forced two turnovers late to allow the Red Raiders to escape with the win 110-106.
Feb 12, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward JT Toppin (15) goes to the basket against Arizona State Sun Devils forward Basheer Jihad (8) in the first half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
Returning senior guard Adam Miller led ASU in scoring with 22 points. Miller was part of a Sun Devils trio that scored 18+ points, including another returning senior guard in BJ Freeman. Freshman forward Amier Ali dropped a career-high 18 points off the bench, illustrating his potential in the biggest stage.
The Sun Devils had their best offensive game in weeks, shooting 55.7% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc on 26 attempts. Tonight’s game was the first time since January 14 that ASU had a field goal percentage above 50%.
Feb 12, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Adam Miller (44) dribbles the ball around Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Chance McMillian (0) in the first half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
ASU’s 106 points was the most scored by the program since 2016, but it wasn’t enough to stop the fiery Texas Tech offense. The Red Raiders are the second-best scoring offense in the Big 12, which they usually dominate with their electric 3-point shooting. However, Texas Tech dropped 50 paint points and shot 32 free throws, dominating the interior against ASU. The Red Raiders’ physicality was too much for the Sun Devils to handle without freshman center Jayden Quaintance. Toppin headlines the marquee with 41, but junior forward Darrior Williams notched a season-high 27 points.
ASU has its best performance in weeks, and it wasn’t enough to get them back in the win column. The program is on a four-game losing streak, with losses in nine of its last 11. Wednesday’s loss doesn’t feel like those other defeats, and ASU could use this momentum against one of the best teams in the nation for the rest of the season.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
