Texas Tech Basketball Falls Further in Rankings After Latest Road Loss to Top-25 Opponent

The Red Raiders are sliding fast. After a ranked road loss to Illinois, Texas Tech finds itself tumbling further down the AP Poll, raising alarms about consistency, late-game execution, and postseason viability. With pressure mounting, the next stretch could define their season.

Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Grant McCasland reacts during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center. | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

No. 15 Texas Tech (3-1) slid four spots in this week’s AP Poll following a narrow 81-77 road loss to No. 8 Illinois, continuing a troubling trend for the Red Raiders. Despite a competitive showing, the defeat marked their first loss to a ranked opponent and exposed lingering issues with late-game execution and defensive consistency.

The drop reflects growing national skepticism about Tech’s ability to close out high-stakes matchups, especially on the road. With conference play looming, the Red Raiders will need to regroup quickly to avoid further slippage in the rankings.

To rebound in the AP rankings, Texas Tech must capitalize on upcoming matchups against top-25 opponents, as poll voters heavily favor teams that notch wins over ranked programs. These opportunities are critical for restoring national credibility. Equally important is addressing late-game execution, a glaring issue in the loss to Illinois.

Missed defensive rotations, poor shot selection, and breakdowns in crunch time cost them a winnable game. Sharpening their composure and decision-making in high-pressure moments will be key to turning close contests into statement victories.

BREAKING: College Basketball AP Poll🏀https://t.co/8mgHH1ow7h pic.twitter.com/BwezfesHSX

— On3 (@On3sports) November 17, 2025

Texas Tech’s recent road losses have damaged their national perception, highlighting a need to prove they can win in hostile environments. Securing victories away from Lubbock would demonstrate the team’s maturity and bolster its postseason credentials. Just as crucial is tightening up ball security and defensive discipline, areas that proved costly against Illinois, where 13 turnovers led to 29 Illini points and a significant disparity in free throws. Cleaning up those mistakes is essential if the Red Raiders hope to regain momentum and climb back up the rankings.

To reverse their slide in the AP rankings, the Red Raiders must show tangible growth as Big 12 play begins. A strong start against conference heavyweights like Kansas, Baylor, and Houston would not only stabilize their standing but also send a message nationally.

Central to that resurgence is JT Toppin, whose 35-point explosion against Illinois showcased his elite scoring ability. If Toppin continues to lead with that level of dominance and receives consistent support from LeJuan Watts, Christian Anderson, and the bench, the Red Raiders can build real momentum and reestablish themselves as a top-tier contender.

While Tech thrives in transition, the Red Raiders must focus on late-game execution. Emphasizing clock awareness and structured sets, especially through horns or staggered actions, can improve shot quality under pressure.

Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) and Texas Tech Red Raiders forward JT Toppin (15) battle for position during the second half at State Farm Center. | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

In high-leverage situations, Texas Tech’s bench has shown inconsistency, making it crucial to tighten the rotation to 7-8 reliable contributors during close games. This adjustment could enhance on-court cohesion and minimize costly turnovers.

Additionally, the Red Raiders must improve their ability to generate free throws, a glaring weakness in the loss to Illinois, where they were outpaced at the line. By initiating contact more deliberately through rip-throughs, pump fakes, and aggressive downhill drives, Tech can earn more trips to the stripe and better control game momentum.

Texas Tech’s path back up the AP rankings will hinge on more than just talent — it’ll require tactical discipline, late-game poise, and a renewed edge in high-pressure moments. With Toppin leading the charge and key matchups looming in Big 12 play, the Red Raiders have a chance to flip the narrative. But to do so, they’ll need to tighten rotations, generate more trips to the line, and prove they can win on the road. The pieces are there; now it’s about putting them together when it matters most.

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