Paving the way to victory for the Texas Longhorns was guard Max Abmas, who netted 21 points in a triumphant 77-66 victory over the No. 25 TCU Horned Frogs.
A neck-and-neck contest for most of the game, the Longhorns pulled away late. In the final three minutes and 25 seconds, Abmas scored 13 points as Texas exploded for an 13-to-2 run to close out the game.
After a missed layup from JaKobe Coles, Dylan Disu found Abmas for a corner three, extending the Texas lead 70-64. Just a minute later, Abmas snatched a defensive rebound before storming down the court and nailing a dagger three to give Texas a 73-64 lead.
Following the loss, forward Emanuel Miller gave praise to Abmas for his performance on Saturday.
“We know that he’s a capable shooter from anywhere on the court, and credit to him. He’s a great player. He’s in this league for a reason–one of the best scorers in this league,” he said.
Abmas led the way for Texas but it wasn’t done without help. He was one of three Longhorn players in double-figures–Disu had 15 and Dillon Mitchell had 13. Mitchell grabbed 11 rebounds in what was a dominant day on the glass for Texas.
Compared to Texas 34 rebounds, TCU’s 21 were the team’s lowest rebound total of the season. Struggling on defensive rebounding, the Frogs allowed 17 second-chance points.
“That was certainly the difference. We simply didn’t get it done and I’m really disappointed by it. They clearly were the more aggressive team and physical team… and they got it done,” said head coach Jamie Dixon.
“As for offensive rebounds I think we did a poor job of going to the glass. Credit to Texas for boxing out but I think we need to fight a little bit harder,” Miller said.
Despite Texas’ 11-point victory, the Longhorns only made two more field goals than TCU, including one less three-pointer, but the biggest difference was at the free throw line. Texas shot 13-15 (87%) while the Frogs went 7-12 (71%). An issue for the Frogs all season, Saturday it was for a different reason–just simply not getting enough looks.
“We didn’t get to the line enough. That was a big factor. They were at the free throw line way more than we were… We’ve got to get more free throws. I don’t know how we get seven free throws.” said Dixon.
It is important to note the Frogs did not play poorly, but they failed to make shots when it counted. TCU got off to an outstanding start, holding the Longhorns to zero points in the opening three minutes. Miller nailed a three to open the scoring, before Avery Anderson III scored the ensuing seven points on two layups and a three-pointer.
TCU’s quick start provided a lofty cushion for much of the half, but it wasn’t sustainable. Down by five in the first, the Longhorns caught fire with a 10-0 run to take a 30-25 lead. The Frogs clawed their way back in the second half with trademark fast breaks, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Longhorns.
The Longhorns improve to 15-7 (4-5 Big 12) as the Frogs now sit at 16-6 (5-4 Big 12). TCU will have a full week before its next game on Saturday, Feb. 10 in Ames, IA against the Iowa State Cyclones.
