Texas Tech Crushes Colorado 78-44 in Dominant Big 12 Win
In a lopsided Big 12 matchup that showcased the disparity between resurgence and regression, No. 16 Texas Tech dismantled the Colorado Buffaloes 78-44 on February 11, 2026, at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. The Red Raiders, riding high with an 18-6 overall record and 8-3 in conference play, asserted their dominance early and never looked back, extending their lead to as much as 34 points in a game that served as a stark reminder of Texas Tech's title-contending potential.
Game Recap: Red Raiders Take Control from Tip-Off
The game tipped off with Colorado grabbing a fleeting 2-0 lead on a bucket from Barrington Hargress, but that was the extent of the Buffaloes' early optimism. Donovan Atwell responded immediately with a three-pointer, igniting a 39-22 halftime advantage for Texas Tech. The second half opened with an 8-0 Red Raiders run, ballooning the lead to 20 points and ensuring the outcome was never in doubt.
Colorado, who entered the night at 14-11 overall and a middling 4-8 in the Big 12, struggled mightily on both ends of the floor. The Buffaloes managed just 44 points—their fewest since a 43-point outing against Washington State back in January 2022. Shooting a dismal 29.1% from the field (16-of-55) and 24% from beyond the arc (6-of-25), Colorado's offense evaporated under Texas Tech's suffocating defense. The Red Raiders forced 15 turnovers while committing only nine, turning defensive stops into transition opportunities that fueled their efficient attack.
This blowout contrasted sharply with the teams' January 10 meeting in Boulder, where Texas Tech clung to a 73-71 victory after leading by 24 at halftime. Hargress' potential game-tying three rimmed out in that thriller, but Wednesday's contest offered no such drama. Texas Tech's coach praised the team's focus post-game, noting, "We came out with energy and executed our game plan from start to finish."
Standout Performances: Atwell and Toppin Lead the Charge
Donovan Atwell's Sharpshooting Night
Guard Donovan Atwell was the spark plug for Texas Tech, erupting for 20 points on six made three-pointers. His hot hand from deep stretched Colorado's defense, creating driving lanes for teammates and preventing any chance of a comeback. Atwell's efficiency—shooting 7-of-12 from the field—was a testament to his growing role as a perimeter threat in the Big 12, where spacing has become crucial against elite defenses.
JT Toppin's Rebounding Masterclass
Forward JT Toppin delivered another monster performance, notching 16 points and a career-high-tying 18 rebounds for his 46th career double-double. As the conference's leading rebounder at 10.9 per game, Toppin's presence on the glass was overwhelming, helping Texas Tech outrebound Colorado 48-32. This marked his 15th double-double of the season and 34th since transferring from New Mexico, underscoring his impact on the Red Raiders' frontcourt dominance. Only Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg, with 51 career double-doubles, has more among active players—a stat that highlights Toppin's elite status.
Supporting Cast Shines for Texas Tech
Christian Anderson contributed 14 points and seven assists, showcasing his playmaking ability, while Jaylen Petty added 12 points off the bench. The balanced scoring—four players in double figures—exemplified Texas Tech's depth, a key factor in their 8-3 conference mark.
Colorado's Struggles: Johnson and Inman Not Enough
For the Buffaloes, Isaiah Johnson led with 13 points, and Ian Inman chipped in 12, but the supporting cast failed to materialize. Colorado's early-season promise (starting 8-0) has fizzled into an eight-loss skid in their last 10 games, with defensive lapses and cold shooting plaguing the team. Coach Tad Boyle lamented post-game, "We couldn't get anything to go tonight—credit to Texas Tech for their pressure."
Statistical Breakdown and Tactical Insights
Texas Tech's 78 points came on 52.5% field goal shooting (31-of-59), including 11-of-22 from three-point range. Their paint presence was strong, scoring 36 points in the lane despite Toppin's rebounding focus. Colorado, conversely, managed just 18 paint points and couldn't capitalize on second-chance opportunities, going 4-of-12 on offensive rebounds.
Defensively, the Red Raiders held Colorado to under 30% shooting for the first time this season, a mark of their improved perimeter defense under coach Mark Adams. This win boosts Texas Tech's NCAA Tournament resume, placing them squarely in the AP Top 25 conversation as they chase a deep March run.
From an analytical standpoint, Texas Tech's pace control—slowing the game in the half-court while exploding in transition—exposed Colorado's vulnerabilities. Advanced metrics like offensive rating (Texas Tech at 118.2) versus Colorado's (72.4) paint a picture of efficiency versus inefficiency, with the Buffaloes ranking near the bottom of the Big 12 in effective field goal percentage.
Big 12 Standings Implications and Road Ahead
With this victory, Texas Tech ties Iowa State at 8-3 in the Big 12, sitting just two games behind leaders Arizona (10-1) and Houston (10-1). The conference race remains tight, with BYU, UCF, and West Virginia at 6-5, while Colorado slips to 4-8, now 6.5 games out of first and fighting for relevance in a loaded league that includes Kansas (9-2) and a surging Iowa State (8-3).
Looking ahead, Colorado faces a tough road test at No. 22 BYU on Saturday, where they'll need to rediscover their shooting touch to halt the slide. Texas Tech, meanwhile, travels to face No. 1 Arizona—the team that suffered its first loss to No. 9 Kansas earlier this week. A win there could propel the Red Raiders into the top 10 and solidify their status as a national contender.
This game wasn't just a win for Texas Tech; it was a statement. As the Big 12 season hits its stride, the Red Raiders are positioning themselves as the team to beat in Lubbock, while Colorado must regroup to salvage their postseason hopes.
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