Texas Tech All-America forward JT Toppin made his season debut for the Red Raiders on Friday night, scoring 31 points and grabbing 14 rebounds during a 98-77 win over Sam Houston.
The reigning Big 12 Player of the Year, Toppin missed the season opener against Lindenwood because of a lower-body injury. Against the Bearkats, Toppin was 10-for-19 from the field and 11-for-16 from the free throw line while also adding four assists and three steals.
Texas Tech will got back Washington State transfer LeJaun Watts, the preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year. Watts, who also missed the Lindenwood game with a lower-body injury, had 11 points and 6 rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench.
The No. 10 Red Raiders next play at No. 17 Illinois on Tuesday.
