After dropping Friday night’s season opener to SMU, the TCU men’s basketball team looks to get back on track with a win over the Longwood Lancers Tuesday night.
The game marks this season’s home debut for the Frogs and is also the beginning of the final season in Daniel-Meyer Coliseum before undergoing a $45 million renovations.
The Lancers, who lost their first game to South Carolina 82-44, are part of the Big South conference. They finished last season with an 8-24 record.
Longwood made only 13-of-57 from the field against the Gamecocks.
The Frogs also struggled on offense in their first contest of the season, shooting only 32.1 percent for the game.
One of the positive stories of Friday night’s loss was the debut of several freshmen Frogs. Three freshmen started the game for TCU in center Karviar Shepherd, forward Brandon Parrish and forward Hudson Price.
Parrish had a game-high 13 points, including 10 in the first half. Shepherd had eight points and eight rebounds in the loss.
“I thought Karviar did a great job,” SMU head coach Larry Brown said Friday.
Price sprained his foot midway through the game. While the injury is not considered serious, his status is unlikely for the Frogs’ match-up with the Lancers.
Despite not playing well, freshman guard Michael Williams also contributed, adding six points for the Frogs in the first half.
“Michael Williams attacked the basket,” TCU head coach Trent Johnson said Friday night. “He missed some shots he’s been making.”
Even though his younger players had solid debuts, Johnson said he isn’t satisfied with any moral victories.
“We’re not in excuse mode,” Johnson said. “Bottom line, we lost the basketball game.”
The Frogs hope to get their record back to .500 tonight. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.