The TCU Horned Frogs are headed to Waco to take on the No. 15 Baylor Bears Saturday at 3:00 p.m. CST.
It marks the 188th game between these two Texas rivals, but the first to be played at Foster Pavilion–Baylor’s new home for its Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams.
The Horned Frogs (14-5, 3-3 Big 12) are coming off an away victory against Oklahoma State on Tuesday, snapping a two-game losing streak. While TCU is still in search of its first conference road win, the Bears (14-4, 3-2 Big 12) will want to bounce back having lost two consecutive contests–one against Kansas State and the other against Texas.
Following the Frogs’ victory in Stillwater, head coach Jamie Dixon is eager to see his team build off the win. Baylor is a team that thrives on the perimeter with players capable of hitting shots from deep.
“We’ve got to get better defensively. We’ve got to take away their three point shot, they’re a team that can really shoot it,” he said.
Guess what? He’s right.
Baylor is ranked 3rd in the nation in three-point field goal percentage (40.91%). They sit behind Indiana State (41.01%) and Niagara (40.97%). The Bears also rank 11th in the nation in field goal percentage, converting on 49.49% of their shots.
The Frogs cannot fall behind early. It has been a problem this season, especially in their previous two games against Iowa State and Oklahoma State. Against a squad with Baylor’s ability and talent, TCU must defend well, remain disciplined, win rebounds and take quality shots.
“Every possession matters. Winning a game in the Big 12 is hard. Teams are going to go on runs and you have to respond,” said TCU forward Emanuel Miller.
The Frogs will have to be on the lookout for Ja’Kobe Walter, a freshman averaging 15.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. While Walter has been at the heart of this Baylor squad, RayJ Dennis, a transfer from the University of Toledo, is standing up to the occasion of Big 12 basketball. After posting tremendous numbers with the Toledo Rockets, Dennis entered the transfer portal as one of the most significant prospects in the nation and it is safe to say he is enjoying his time as a Bear.
The 6-foot-2 guard leads the team in minutes per game (30.8) and rebounds per game (6.4). He also averages 12.7 points per game, shooting 49.5% from the field.
Saturday’s game will be a true test for these Horned Frogs, who look to snatch their first conference road win of the season. Tip off is at 3:00pm CST and is available for streaming on ESPN2.
