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JT Toppin ejected vs. Houston after flagrant 2 foul

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•02/01/25•

ChandlerVessels

jt toppin
Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Texas Tech forward JT Toppin has been ejected from Saturday’s contest against Houston after being caled for a flagrant 2 foul. The call occurred not even four minutes into the game after Toppin made contact with Joseph Tugler.

While Toppin was making a pass, he kicked out his leg and appeared to kick Tugler in the groin area. The Cougars forward buckled over in pain as the foul was called. You can view the moment below.

Toppin is the leading scorer and rebounder for the Red Raiders with 16.3 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.

Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland was also ejected in the game, after he was arguing with officials over Toppin getting tossed. Toppin only played four minutes on Saturday night before he was ejected. He finished with no points and one rebound in just four minutes of work.

Texas Tech overcome the ejections of Toppin and McCasland to win in overtime, 82-81, as they knocked off the No. 6 ranked Houston Cougars. Darrion Williams finished with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals for the Red Raiders. Chance McMillian erupted for 23 points and grabbed five rebounds. In all, Texas Tech finished with five scorers in double figures, with McMillian leading the way.

Following the game, Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt was furious with the ejection. And he released a scathing statement on Toppin being tossed from the game.

“I am appalled and disappointed by the officials egregious decision to eject JT Toppin from tonight’s basketball game against Houston. This decision, made on a play that was clearly accidental and without intent, is unacceptable,” Hocutt’s statement read.

“Immediately after the ejection, I spoke with Commissioner Yormark, who assured me that the situation would be addressed and there would be accountability. On behalf of Red Raider Nation, we are extremely proud of our team and the leadership of Coach McCasland.”

On3’s Wade Peery contributed to this report.