The TCU Horned Frogs were unable to keep pace with the Texas Tech Red Raiders, falling 71-57 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock.
Despite a competitive first half, the Red Raiders used strong defense and efficient shooting to pull away in the final 20 minutes.
Game summary
TCU kept the game close early, heading into halftime trailing just 32-29. However, Texas Tech outscored the Horned Frogs 39-28 in the second half, capitalizing on TCU’s shooting struggles and forcing crucial turnovers. The Red Raiders shot an impressive 46.9% from the field and 71.4% from the free-throw line, while TCU managed just 35.1% overall and 54.5% from the charity stripe.
Key players of the game
From Texas Tech, JT Toppin dominated in the paint, recording a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds while going 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Chance McMillian added 16 points, including three three-pointers, and provided steady playmaking. Lastly, Elijah Hawkins contributed 13 points, five assists, and two steals, helping Texas Tech control the tempo.
From the purple, Noah Reynolds led the Horned Frogs with 14 points, though he shot just 6-of-15 from the field. Brendan Wenzel provided a spark off the bench, scoring 11 points, including two three-pointers. David Punch and Malick Diallo each added eight points, with Diallo also grabbing six rebounds.
a career-best 8 points for the freshman @MalickDialloAwa
Texas Tech 51 – TCU 44 | 10:53 2H pic.twitter.com/tQPbauv7nE
— TCU Men’s Basketball (@TCUBasketball) January 30, 2025
A turning point
TCU briefly took a lead at 39-38 with 16:36 left in the second half following a three-pointer by Wenzel. However, Texas Tech quickly regained control, using an 11-2 run capped by a three-pointer from Hawkins to extend their lead to 50-41. The Red Raiders continued to build on their advantage, keeping TCU from mounting a serious comeback.
Statistical disparities
One of the biggest differences in the game was three-point shooting. Texas Tech connected on 10 of 31 attempts (32.3%), while TCU struggled from beyond the arc, making just 5 of 18 (27.8%). Additionally, the Red Raiders capitalized at the free-throw line, hitting 15 of 21 attempts (71.4%), whereas TCU made only 12 of 22 (54.5%).
Rebounding was evenly matched, with Texas Tech holding a slight 34-33 edge, but their ability to convert second-chance points and capitalize on TCU turnovers proved decisive.
Looking ahead
TCU aims to bounce back Sunday, Feb. 2 as they face the Colorado Buffs at 3 p.m. in the Schollmaier Arena.