The No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders made a thunderous statement on Saturday, February 21, 2026, as they dismantled the Kansas State Wildcats 100-72 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. It was a game brimming with storylines—Texas Tech’s first contest without their all-American forward JT Toppin, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL earlier in the week, and Kansas State’s first outing under interim coach Matthew Driscoll following the firing of Jerome Tang on February 15. The Red Raiders, now 20-7 overall and 10-4 in Big 12 play, showcased resilience, depth, and a three-point shooting clinic that left the Wildcats reeling.
Texas Tech entered the matchup looking to rebound from a tough 72-67 loss to Arizona State, a game that not only ended their three-game winning streak but also cost them Toppin for the season. The Wildcats, meanwhile, had snapped a six-game losing streak just days earlier with a 90-74 home win over Baylor, powered by the dynamic duo of P.J. Haggerty (34 points) and Nate Johnson (33 points). But with the odds stacked heavily against them—Kansas State entered as a +600 moneyline underdog and a 12.5-point dog on the spread—the Wildcats faced a daunting task in Lubbock.
From the opening tip, Texas Tech seized control. Christian Anderson, starting at guard alongside Jaylen Petty, LeJuan Watts, Luke Bamgboye, and sharpshooter Donovan Atwell, set the tone with an early three-pointer to tie the game at 3-3. That was the spark for a 7-0 run, and the Red Raiders never looked back. Atwell, who had been flirting with the school’s single-season three-point record, caught fire in the first half, draining five triples and racking up 21 points before the break. "After a really trying week and our game on Tuesday it was really special to be back in the USA," head coach Grant McCasland told Texas Tech Athletics. "It felt like there was a genuine belief and energy from everyone who was there to support us. The students were amazing and I'm really thankful. Our team came together and played for each other. It really says a lot about this group and how much they love each other and how competitive we were through a tough game and situation. I'm thrilled with the outcome."
By halftime, Texas Tech led 49-35, having shot 8-for-18 (44.4%) from beyond the arc and outrebounded Kansas State 21-11. The Red Raiders’ offensive barrage included a stretch where they made nine consecutive field goals, capped by a highlight-reel lob dunk from Josiah Moseley that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. The Wildcats, meanwhile, struggled to keep pace, with Nate Johnson leading their first-half effort with 11 points. Kansas State’s starting lineup—P.J. Haggerty, David Castillo, Nate Johnson, Taj Manning, and Khamari McGriff—couldn’t stem the Red Raiders’ tide, especially on the boards and from deep.
The second half saw more of the same. Atwell continued his assault from long range, finishing the game with six three-pointers on nine attempts and a season-high 26 points. In doing so, he made history, surpassing Cory Carr’s single-season record of 94 made three-pointers set in the 1996-97 season. Atwell now boasts 100 made threes this season, shooting an impressive 45.7% from downtown. Anderson was equally dazzling, posting 21 points and a game-high nine assists, while also sinking three triples. The Red Raiders as a team were 13-for-28 (46.4%) from deep, marking the 21st time in 27 games they’ve hit double-digit threes—a testament to their perimeter prowess.
LeJuan Watts provided a powerful inside presence, tallying 19 points and six rebounds, making all six of his free-throw attempts. Luke Bamgboye, stepping into the starting lineup in Toppin’s absence, contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and three blocks, demonstrating the squad’s depth and readiness to fill the void left by their injured star. Jaylen Petty rounded out the starting five with 10 points and four assists, giving Texas Tech all five starters in double figures. Off the bench, Josiah Moseley and Marial Akuentok combined for nine rebounds and six points, ensuring there was no drop-off in intensity.
Kansas State, for their part, couldn’t recapture the magic of their Baylor upset. Haggerty led the Wildcats with 17 points, while Johnson finished with 15 and Manning added 10. The team shot just 6-for-20 (30.0%) from three-point range and was thoroughly dominated on the glass, losing the rebounding battle 40-28. Interim coach Driscoll’s squad showed some fight early in the second half—Khamari McGriff provided a spark inside—but the Red Raiders’ relentless offense and rebounding advantage proved insurmountable. As one local reporter put it, "Not even competitive. The Wildcats lose by 28. Over very early."
It was a night of milestones and firsts for Texas Tech. Not only did they notch their 20th win of the season—marking the third consecutive year under McCasland to reach that plateau and the 19th time in program history—but they also scored 100 or more points in a Big 12 game for just the fourth time ever. The Red Raiders improved to a sparkling 13-1 at home, making United Supermarkets Arena a true fortress.
Looking ahead, Texas Tech faces a quick turnaround as they host Cincinnati on Tuesday, February 24, at 6 p.m., before traveling to take on No. 6 Iowa State next Saturday. The Bearcats, fresh off an 84-68 win over No. 8 Kansas, will bring a four-game winning streak to Lubbock. Kansas State, now 11-16 overall and 2-12 in the Big 12, will try to regroup on the road at Colorado on February 25, then return home for matchups with TCU and West Virginia.
Saturday’s blowout was a testament to Texas Tech’s adaptability and depth. Even without their All-American, the Red Raiders proved they’re a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12. For Kansas State, the search for answers continues as they navigate a season of upheaval and transition. But in Lubbock, the night belonged to the Red Raiders—and to Donovan Atwell, whose record-breaking performance will be remembered for years to come.