Despite the Frogs having a 17-point lead at halftime, BYU outplayed TCU in the second half resulting in a 87-75 loss.
TCU dominated in the first half, but BYU’s resilience showed in their come-from-behind win led by team-game scorers Fousseyni Traore (21) and Trevin Knell (20).
The Frogs set the tempo for defensive play in the first half. TCU held BYU to one of 13 from three and forced eight turnovers.
Both teams kept it a close contest during the first five minutes, each showcasing individual team talent. The Frogs shot 100% from behind the arc and BYU found ways to maneuver in the paint and score. TCU ran away with the lead after being tied at 15, ending the half up by 17, 46-29.
The hunger for the win shifted from TCU to BYU moving into the second half.
To open the final 20 minutes of basketball, the Frogs went only two of 11 from the field compared to BYU with a 15-0 run to bring the game to a one-point contest, 50-49.
JaKobe Coles put an end to the Cougars’ scoring run with a deep three followed by a steal that led to a bucket that ignited a 7-0 run from the Frogs.
The small spark from TCU wasn’t enough to stop the Cougars’ momentum. BYU went on an 20-4 run moving into the final quarter of the game, leading TCU by nine.
Both teams played completely different in the second half with the Cougars being hot from start to finish. BYU shot 40% from the field and 7.7% from three in the first 20 minutes but rebounded to 64% and 53.3%, respectively.
TCU went on multiple scoring droughts shooting only 35.1% from the field and 16.7% from behind the arc compared to their first half statistics of 47.1% and 70%, respectively.
The Frogs continue to excel in free throw shooting going nine of 11 but a high percentage from the line isn’t enough to win games.
Fans are starting to question TCU’s appearance in the upcoming March Madness tournament. This is the Frogs’ second-consecutive loss and second double-digit loss of the season. Winning by double-digits is not an easy feat especially in Big 12 basketball, home to four ranked teams, two of which are in the top 10. Frog fans have taken to social media to express their recent distraught with the team.
With two games left in conference play, the Frogs will look to turn it around on Wednesday agaisnt West Virginia. TCU won the first matchup, but Morgantown is always a tough place to play. Tip off set for 6:00 p.m. CST from WVU Coliseum.
