The University of Arizona men’s basketball team (11-5, 5-0 in Big 12) will face Texas Tech University (12-4, 3-2 in Big 12) on Saturday, Jan. 18 at noon in United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas.
Arizona is on a streak of seven consecutive wins, the longest streak the team has seen this season. Texas Tech’s largest winning stretch of the season was in their first four games, securing four consecutive victories.
History vs. Texas Tech
The programs have faced off 52 times dating back to their first game in 1934. The most recent match was on Dec. 3, 2013, where Arizona came away with a staggering 79-58 win. Out of all the games played, Arizona has won 24 and lost 28. However, due to the 12-year gap since the programs have seen each other, the game will be decided on the court.
Texas Tech players to watch
The Red Raiders are led by Grant McCasland who is in his second season as head coach. In his first season at Texas Tech, McCasland’s team was ranked 22 in the national rankings and achieved a 23-11 record. Before joining Texas Tech, McCasland spent six seasons at North Texas. In his final year, he guided the Mean Green to a 31-7 record and won the National Invitation Tournament Championship.
JT Toppin, a 6-foot-9 sophomore forward, leads the Red Raiders in rebounds and is tied at first for scoring. He averages 8.7 rebounds per game and 16.3 points per game. Toppin has had 18 blocks this season, his height serving as an advantage.
In Texas’ overtime loss against Iowa State, Toppin put up 18 points and had nine rebounds, leading the team. He went 8-for-16 inside the paint and 1-for-2 beyond the arc.
Before he arrived in Texas, Toppin played for New Mexico where he earned the 2023-2024 Mountain West Freshman of the Year and All-Mountain West Second Team honors.
Working alongside Toppin is Darrion Williams, a 6-foot-6 junior forward. Williams is tied with Toppin in scoring, both averaging 16.3 points per game. He averages 5.6 rebounds per game, second behind Toppin. Notably, Williams has had 78 assists this season as well as eight blocks and 20 steals.
Williams has been with the Raiders for the past two seasons, earning an array of awards and achievements. He was named AP National Player of the Week, Big 12 Player of the Week and Big 12 Newcomer of the Week in various weeks of 2024.
Wildcats to watch
Arizona is led by head coach Tommy Lloyd. Lloyd is in his fourth season as head coach and has currently led the Wildcats to seven consecutive wins, five of which were in Big 12 play. Lloyd has consistently made a name for Arizona men’s basketball during his time as head coach, earning the program 88 wins in his first three seasons at the University of Arizona.
Henri Veesaar, a 7-foot sophomore forward, is a clear threat underneath the hoop as well as from outside. Veesaar averages 8.1 points per game and 4.9 rebounds per game. He leads Arizona in blocks, with 14 for the season.
In Arizona’s game against Baylor University, Veesaar led the Wildcats in scoring with 19 points, a career-high for himself. He also contributed seven rebounds, the most seen for the Wildcats that game as well. Notably, Veesaar went 1-for-1 on his 3-point shot, proving himself an asset from outside the curve.
Another beast under the basket is 6-foot-8 junior forward, Tobe Awaka. Awaka averages seven rebounds a game, leading the Wildcats in boards. Offensively, he contributes 7.6 points per game on average. Throughout the season, Awaka has brought down 112 rebounds. Veesaar trails him with 78.
Against Baylor, Awaka secured 8 points along with five rebounds. He was also able to drive and earn fouls, finding himself on the free-throw line. Awaka went 6-for-10 in his free throws for the game. Teaming with Veesaar beneath the hoop, the duo serves as deadly water to try and breakthrough.
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