The Arizona Wildcats saw their 23-game winning streak snapped by Kansas last time out. Now they’ll try to avoid back-to-back losses against a Texas Tech Red Raiders squad that’s every bit as formidable as the Jayhawks.
Both teams are stacked with star power and offensive firepower, but this matchup could ultimately hinge on who controls the game.
Advertisement
That’s why my Texas Tech vs. Arizona predictions are calling for a big night from JT Toppin.
Read more in my college basketball picks for Saturday, February 14.
Texas Tech vs Arizona prediction
Texas Tech vs Arizona best bet: JT Toppin Over 20.5 points (-105)
JT Toppin will lead the Texas Tech Red Raiders’ interior attack against an Arizona Wildcats team that allowed Kansas to attempt 54 shots inside the three-point arc last game.
Toppin has scored 20 or more in seven of his 11 Big 12 games, including a 31-point night against the suffocating Houston defense.
Arizona plays fast, at No. 23 in tempo nationally, which means four more possessions per game than Tech averages at its No. 170 pace.
Advertisement
That translates to more scoring opportunities for Toppin. Arizona has also struggled on the defensive boards recently, and more than half of Toppin’s makes come at the rim.
Texas Tech vs Arizona same-game parlay
One of the four Big 12 games in which Toppin didn’t hit 20 points was the Kansas loss, which sophomore point guard Christian Anderson missed. Toppin managed just 10 points and didn’t go to the free-throw line.
When Toppin is at his best, it’s because Anderson, who has 37 assists in the last four games, has gotten him the ball.
If Toppin is scoring and Anderson is distributing, Texas Tech is tough to beat. Even against No. 1 Arizona, a double-digit margin of victory is a tough ask against the Red Raiders.
Advertisement
Tech may not get the upset, but they won’t get run out of the gym.
Texas Tech vs Arizona SGP
-
JT Toppin Over 20.5 points
-
Christian Anderson Over 7.5 assists
Our beyond the arc SGP: Burying Triples!
Toppin should have his way inside against Arizona’s Motiejus Krivas and Tobe Awaka. Kansas big man Flory Bidunga scored 23 on 8-of-11 shooting against them in the last game.
With the Wildcats bigs struggling in that matchup, look for Arizona to turn to Peat and Burries to try to score outside the paint and on drives.
Burries hit four treys against Kansas and is 11 for his last 22 from three, while Peat and his ability to get to the charity stripe should help him clear his scoring total.
Advertisement
Texas Tech vs Arizona SGP
-
JT Toppin Over 20.5 points
-
Koa Peat Over 12.5 points
-
Brayden Burries Over 1.5 threes
-
Christian Anderson Over 7.5 assists
Texas Tech vs Arizona odds
-
Spread: Texas Tech +10 (-110) | Arizona -10 (-110)
-
Moneyline: Texas Tech +367 | Arizona -475
-
Over/Under: Over 155.5 (-110) | Under 155.5 (-110)
Texas Tech vs Arizona betting trend to know
Texas Tech has hit the moneyline in 14 of its last 18 games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Texas Tech vs. Arizona.
How to watch Texas Tech vs Arizona
|
Location |
McKale Memorial Center, Tucson, AZ |
|
Date |
Saturday, February 14, 2026 |
|
Tip-off |
6:30 p.m. ET |
|
TV |
ESPN |
Texas Tech vs Arizona key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
