In a high-stakes matchup on February 1, 2025, the No. 22 Texas Tech Red Raiders secured a dramatic 82-81 overtime victory against the No. 6 Houston Cougars.
The game, held at Houston’s home court, was marked by early controversies that significantly impacted both teams.
Early Ejections Shake the Game
Just under four minutes into the first half, Texas Tech’s leading scorer and rebounder, JT Toppin, was involved in a contentious play. While attempting a cross-court pass, Toppin’s leg made contact with a Houston player in what appeared to be an inadvertent manner. Officials reviewed the incident and assessed a Flagrant 2 foul, leading to Toppin’s immediate ejection from the game. The decision stunned players, coaches, and fans alike, as many believed the contact was accidental.
The situation escalated when Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland vocally protested the ejection. His objections resulted in two technical fouls, culminating in his own ejection shortly after Toppin’s departure. These early expulsions left the Red Raiders without their head coach and star player for the remainder of the game.
Athletic Director’s Strong Response
In the aftermath of the ejections, Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt issued a vehement statement expressing his dissatisfaction with the officiating. He described the decision to eject Toppin as “egregious” and “unacceptable,” emphasizing that the play was “clearly accidental and without intent.” Hocutt also mentioned that he had communicated directly with Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, who assured him that the situation would be addressed and that there would be accountability for the officiating crew’s decision.
Red Raiders Rally to Victory
Despite the early setbacks, the Red Raiders demonstrated resilience and determination. The team rallied from a six-point deficit in the final minutes of regulation to force overtime. Guard Chance McMillian emerged as a pivotal figure, leading all scorers with 23 points and securing two critical free throws with just 14 seconds remaining in overtime. His composure under pressure was instrumental in clinching the victory for Texas Tech.
Contributions also came from Elijah Hawkins, who added 17 points, and Kerwin Walton, Darrion Williams, and Christian Anderson, each providing essential support on both ends of the court. The collective effort underscored the team’s depth and ability to adapt under challenging circumstances.
Impact on Houston Cougars
For the Houston Cougars, the loss was a significant blow, ending their impressive 13-game winning streak and marking their first home defeat in over two years. LJ Cryer led the Cougars with 22 points, while J’Wan Roberts contributed 18 points. Despite their efforts, critical mistakes, including missed free throws and turnovers, proved costly in the game’s final moments. Head coach Kelvin Sampson acknowledged the team’s resilience but emphasized the need to learn from the loss, especially given the competitive nature of the Big 12 Conference.
Looking Ahead
The victory propels Texas Tech closer to the top of the Big 12 standings, positioning them just one game behind the conference leaders. The team’s ability to overcome adversity in a hostile environment speaks volumes about their character and determination. As the season progresses, the Red Raiders will aim to build on this momentum, while the Cougars will seek to regroup and address the issues that led to their unexpected defeat.
This game will be remembered not only for its on-court drama but also for the broader discussions it has sparked regarding officiating standards and the interpretation of in-game incidents. The responses from both Texas Tech’s administration and the Big 12 Conference may lead to further evaluations of officiating protocols to prevent similar controversies in future matchups.
