The men's basketball team defeated the University of Texas-Pan American 88-58, earning TCU 10 non-conference wins for the first time since the 2004-05 season on Wednesday night at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum.
TCU junior forward Garlon Green took on UT-Pan American center Enique Mason for the jump, which gave TCU the first possession of the game. Senior guard Hank Thorns' assist to forward Craig Williams gave the Frogs the first two points of the game.
TCU's quick ball movement and offensive rebounds resulted in goals, putting the Frogs on an 18-0 run against UT-Pan American. The Broncs could not answer until junior guard Brandon Provost scored a three-point field goal from the top of the key at the 13-minute mark.
At the half, sophomore forward Josh Cleveland led the Broncs in rebounds with three, and junior guard Aaron Urbanus led in scoring with nine points.
Thorns and Green, who were coincidentally both celebrating their birthdays Wednesday night, ended the half with nine points each. Green also had two blocks.
The Frogs’ full-court pressure and man-to-man defense proved hard for the Broncs to break. TCU lead 47-28 in the first half with a combined 10 steals.
Although the Broncs turned up their intensity in the second half, TCU continued to dominate defensive boards. UT-Pan American began to utilize
Cleveland and Provost under the basket. They made more accurate shots, but it was not enough to handle TCU's big players underneath.
With eight minutes left on the clock, Green hit a big 3-pointer from downtown, lengthening the Horned Frogs lead to 76-40.
Freshman guard Kyan Anderson came through for the Frogs with key steals and a career-high of seven assists. Thorns led TCU in scoring for the seventh time this season with 16 points.
Thorns said the team’s relentlessness in the battle to get to the Final Four is what pushes the players to do their best.
"We're more focused. I think we all came together and we figured out what our one goal was going to be and that's to play in New Orleans,” Thorns said. “Forget Vegas and the Mountain West Championship, we have a bigger goal, and that's the Final Four in New Orleans."
The Horned Frogs will face Colorado State in Fort Collins, Colo. on Saturday at Moby Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT.
