JT Toppin is fully unlocked as a breakout freshman, guiding New Mexico into the national rankings for the first time this season.
Toppin and the No. 25 Lobos can grab a fourth consecutive victory when they visit San Jose State on Wednesday night in Mountain West play.
New Mexico (16-3, 4-2 Mountain West) moved into the rankings after Toppin scored 25 points on 12-of-15 shooting and collected 13 rebounds in Saturday’s 85-66 road win over Air Force.
Toppin has three double-doubles this month and six for the season. He is one shy of the school record for most double-doubles by a freshman, held by school legend Kenny Thomas (1995-96 season).
Toppin’s stock as perhaps the top freshman in the league came into focus after a 17-point, 16-rebound performance in a victory over then-No. 19 San Diego State on Jan. 13.
The contest against Air Force represents his second-best scoring output behind the 27 he recorded against Toledo on Nov. 21.
“He’s delivering. You never know with a freshman,” Pitino said of Toppin after the Air Force game. “I mean, we really liked him. We really did. … You never know if you can play a guy that many minutes, but he was great. He’s been obviously very, very impressive.