OU’s Reaves too much for TCU in Big 12 opener

By Colin Post

Published Dec 6, 2020

TCU had three players in double figures scoring in its loss to Oklahoma on Dec. 6, 2020. (Photo courtesy of gofrogs.com)

The last time Oklahoma came to Schollmaier Arena, Sooners guard Austin Reaves hit a game-winner to ruin Desmond Bane’s senior day in March.

Today, Reaves put Oklahoma on his back once again to beat TCU 82-78 and hand the Frogs their first loss of the season.

With just under a minute to go, the senior pulled up from well behind the three-point line, hitting the shot to give Oklahoma a five-point lead. He would then drill a free throw with two seconds remaining to put the nails in the coffin for TCU.

Reaves finished with a game-high 32 points on the day, 16 of which came from the free-throw line. He added nine assists and six rebounds to his scoring effort.

True freshman Mike Miles came alive for TCU in his Big 12 debut with 21 points, 12 of which came in the second half. His five-straight points brought the Frogs within a bucket with just under two minutes remaining, but he was outshone by the more experienced Reaves down the stretch.

Despite the two teams entering with just five combined games played, the contest had the energy of a conference game from the beginning.

Thanks to an early 11-3 run, TCU grabbed a lead just a few minutes into the game that it would hold throughout the half. After shooting 50% in the first 20 minutes, the Frogs went into the halftime locker room with a slim 42-39 lead.

Early in the game, center Kevin Samuel recorded the 172nd block of his career, moving him into first all-time on the TCU list.

Oklahoma tied the game on a three by forward Brady Manek to start the second half, and the game turned into an all-out conference showdown.

While the Sooners would lead for the majority of the second half, the Frogs refused to go away, answering Oklahoma runs with scoring spurts of their own.

With 2:55 remaining, the Sooners took a seven-point lead and looked to put the game away. Miles and TCU guard R.J. Nembhard kept the Frogs in the game, though, falling just short of leading TCU to their fifth-straight victory.

Nembhard finished with 18 points and five assists in the contest. Sophomore P.J. Fuller added 15.

Manek complimented Reaves on the Sooners’ end with 14 points, six rebounds and two blocks.

TCU will return to the court this Wednesday to play Providence in the Big East-Big 12 Battle. The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will be aired on ESPNU.