“I think we’re the best team in the country when we play like this,” said junior guard Micah Peavy.

No. 11 TCU men’s basketball (16-4, 5-3) cruised past Oklahoma, 79-52, last night in the team’s return to Schollmaier after a two-game road trip.

After improving to 16-4 for the first time since the 1997-98 season, it is TCU’s best start in 25 years.

Riding high off of its historic road victory against No. 9 Kansas, TCU kept the momentum going as the team entered last night’s contest.

Junior swingman Xavier Cork replaced sophomore big man Eddie Lampkin Jr. in the starting lineup after Lampkin sustained an ankle injury during last game.

Known for his palpable energy and infectious spirit, Lampkin’s contributions would be missed, however, the fans inside of Schollmaier did their part in acting as a honorary sixth-man.

They were as vocal as they’ve been all season.

Draped in all-black, the Frog Army made their presence felt, cheering for every bucket and showing their disapproval for every foul called on TCU.

And if you air-balled…

“Airball! Airball! Airball!”

TCU gave them plenty to cheer about, as the the team started the game scoring the first 11 points.

Oklahoma had a trouble contesting jumpers without fouling which Mike Miles Jr. took full advantage of.

The junior guard earned two early trips to the charity stripe after being fouled on two different 3-point shot attempts.

Not only did Miles Jr. hit all six, he finished with a game-high 23 points on a pristine 10-of-10 from the free throw line.

“He’s one of the best guards in the league, he makes the right pass when you trap him, he’s an all-around player that’s terrific and he had a terrific game,” said Oklahoma head coach Porter Moser.

After being recently named to the Midseason Top 25 Watch List for the John R. Wooden Award and having his best collegiate season to date, Miles Jr. reflected on what it meant to pass 1,000 career points in a Dec. 31 matchup against Texas Tech.

“It feel good, I didn’t know I was close to it until they announced it; it’s a huge accomplishment, everyone knows me as a scorer so I’m grateful for it,” said Miles Jr.

Oklahoma had no answer for Miles Jr. or the rest of the Frogs defensively nor could the Sooners find any offensive rhythm due to TCU’s swarming defense.

TCU drained five threes in the first half and held Oklahoma to 35% shooting from the floor as the team went into halftime up 44-27.

After a dominant first half, TCU started the second half the exact same way, scoring the first 11 points again.

Oklahoma struggled trying to stop the Frogs from running the ball in transition, as most teams do.

The Frogs’ high-octane offense was able to garner many easy looks at the rim, simply from them outrunning everyone else.

The 25 transition points were vintage TCU basketball, along with the hustle plays that led to highlight plays.

In addition to Miles Jr.’s 23, senior guard Damion Baugh scored 13 points and led the Frogs with five assists. After missing the last four games with a back injury, Peavy returned to score 13 points and added a season-high nine rebounds.

Much to head coach Jamie Dixon’s delight, TCU out-rebounded Oklahoma, 46-38.

A common critique and emphasis that Dixon has pointed out throughout the season is the Frogs’ lack of rebounding and ability to secure the board.

After dominating the glass the last two games, it seems as if the message has been received.

“Our [rebounding] numbers just haven’t quite been where I like them to be, but we’ve seen it the last two games and hopefully we’re headed in the right direction,” said Dixon.

UP NEXT

The Frogs will now play in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge and travel to Starkville to take on Mississippi State (12-7, 1-6) on Saturday at Humphrey Coliseum.

Tip-off is at 3 p.m. on ESPN2.