To say that No. 11 Texas Tech's game plan revolves around JT Toppin is a huge understatement.

The Red Raiders (2-1) will likely lean on the 6-foot-9 junior forward again Friday night when Milwaukee (2-2) visits Lubbock, Texas.

Toppin tallied 35 points, 11 rebounds, three steals, three assists and three blocks in the Red Raiders' 81-77 loss at No. 14 Illinois on Tuesday. After missing the opener with an injury, he is averaging 33.0 points and 12.5 boards.

Even with all his offensive highlights, Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland is more impressed with Toppin's defense.

"Everyone is going to talk about his 35 points, but he had a defensive stretch that I thought was exceptional," said McCasland. "That is where he has made big strides. We will keep getting better."

Illinois led by 13 at ha

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