The Frogs returned home to the Schollmaier Arena and claimed a 75-57 win over the Bearcats. This is TCU’s second double-digit win in Big 12 play and first win against Cincinnati.
Emanuel Miller and JaKobe Coles combined for 36 points, each scoring 18. The duo shot 61.1% from the field and recorded four of TCU’s nine 3-point shots. Miller’s contributions extended to his defense with team-high six assists and six rebounds.
“I think my team just did a great job getting me involved and shots were falling,” Miller said. “Our spacing was so good, our offense was well-executed throughout the whole game. And I think that was a part to spark our offense.”
Coles’ performance is a prime example of TCU’s next-man-up mentality. Non-starting players record meaningful minutes and make the plays that set the Frogs apart from their opponent as TCU commonly outscores others on points from the bench.
“My team and my coaches always give me confidence,” Coles said. “It’s just about coming in and making sure we execute each play on offense and defense.”
“[Coles] was really good,” head coach Jamie Dixon said. “He was highly efficient [on offense] with six of 10 and it’s hard to bring a player back in the middle of the season.”
The Frogs improved significantly from the free throw line, only missing one of 15 total shots from the line. Miller, Coles and Essam Mostafa did not miss a single one.
TCU dominated early with Micah Peavy’s slam dunk to mark the Frogs’ first points of the game.
Consecutive behind-the-arc buckets from Avery Anderson III fueled the fans to fill the Schollmaier with cheers as the Frogs capitalized on their early lead.
The lead only changed twice in the first 20 minutes of basketball; Cincinnati went on an 8-0 run with 6:35 left to play due to an over three minute TCU scoring drought.
Four free throws and a deep 3-pointer from Miller brought the Frogs back over Cincinnati and reignited TCU’s offensive spark with an 11-1 run.
Trevian Tennyson connected with Coles on the fast break where he drilled a bucket for three, extending the lead that TCU never gave up. The Frogs outscored Cincinnati 25-4 on fast break points.
Although TCU had 12 turnovers, Cincinnati only scored three points from TCU’s mistakes. The Frogs forced Cincinnati give up 17 possessions, leading to 16 points for TCU.
The Frogs will host No. 11 Baylor at home on Monday, Feb. 26. Tip off is set for 8 p.m. CST and will be available for streaming on ESPN.
