TCU loses to Notre Dame 85-87 in overtime in a game that was a tail of two halves for the Horned Frogs.

This was the eighth game of the season for the Frogs and here are some takeaways for the 2-point loss against the Fighting Irish.

TCU found an offensive spark

After TCU beat Kansas City, Coach Jamie Dixon believed the team’s offense was improving but still had strides to make. Over the last three games against Florida, Wisconsin and Notre Dame, the Frogs are averaging 81 points per game. TCU doesn’t have one dominant score, but guard Brock Harding averages 6.4 assists with only two turnovers, and Jayden Pierre is shooting 46.3% from three, and Micah Robinson is shooting 40.7% from three. Add in David Punch, who averages 13.6 points per game, shooting 57.5% from the field, and the 18.4 points the Horned Frogs create off turnovers. Getting points isn’t a problem. While it is still early in the season, the offense looks to be headed in the right direction.

Rebounding is an issue

TCU is a smaller team, especially with Malick Diallo out for the season. The Frogs’ starting center, Xavier Edmonds, is 6’8. Rebounding is always a team stat more than an individual stat. The team effort has to be heightened for the Horned Frogs since they are undersized. Against Notre Dame, TCU was outrebounded by eight. In a 63-67 loss against Michigan, the Frogs were outrebounded by 21. TCU doesn’t need to outrebound teams to win, but the gap has to be close to even.

The more challenging non-conference schedule will only help

This season, TCU built a very respectable non-conference schedule. The Horned Frogs played four Power Four teams in non-conference play and went 2-2. This will not only prepare the teams for Big 12 play but also build a strong tournament case for the Frogs. Beating No. 15 Florida and Wisconsin to win the Rady Children’s Invitational and a four-point loss against No. 3 Michigan shows the Horned Frogs can compete with any team in the country.