No. 20 TCU men’s basketball (10-1) won its eighth-straight game, defeating Utah, 75-71 at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City.

Sophomore big-man Eddie Lampkin Jr. returned to the lineup, giving the Frogs a familiar starting five consisting of: junior guard Mike Miles Jr., senior guard Damion Baugh, redshirt senior forward Chuck O’Bannon Jr. and senior forward Emanuel Miller.

This marked the first time TCU was able to repeat a lineup, after previously playing 10 different in the team’s first 10 games.

After a dominant showing against MVSU that saw TCU win its largest victory in eight years, Utah presented a new, different challenge for the Frogs.

Going into Wednesday’s game, Utah held opponents to only 36% from the field and 26% from three-point land.

Utah had a similar defensive prowess that rivaled TCU’s, which made execution on the offensive side all the more important.

TCU was able to punch first, opening up a 27-17 advantage before Utah junior guard Gabe Madsen trimmed the deficit to single digits.

This would be a common theme throughout the night, as Madsen consistently scored timely baskets that never gave TCU too much breathing room.

The third-year guard single-handedly outscored TCU from three, going 7-of-15 while the Frogs struggled at 5-of-16.

Despite Madsen’s offensive brilliance, TCU was able to stamp their defensive intensity on the game, by their on-ball defense.

The pressure the Frogs put on the perimeter forced Utah to cough up the ball 19 times, including 11 in the first half, which led to 23 points off of turnovers.

In typical TCU fashion, hustle plays ignited their offense, allowing easy transition buckets.

Miller had a stellar performance as he led with a team-high 21 points and seven rebounds. Shooting 9-of-14 from the field and 2-of-2 from three, Miller’s efficiency was off the charts.

Miles Jr. joined his preseason All-Big 12 teammate in the fun, contributing with 18 points on 50% from the field.

The tandem of Miller and Miles Jr. proved too much for Utah, as they exploited their matchups at will.

TCU was able to expand their lead back to 10 in the second half, but Utah fought back, eventually tying the game several times.

Despite going the last four minutes of regulation without a made field goal, sophomore forward JaKobe Coles came up clutch going 6-of-6 from the free throw line to ice the game.

Up next

The Frogs will return to action on Dec. 28 when they host Central Arkansas (5-7) at Schollmaier Arena.

Tip-off is at 4 p.m. on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.