A slow first-half start was too much for TCU to overcome in an 86-73 loss against No.1 Arizona.
The Horned Frogs found themselves down 33-13 with 7:52 left in the first half. “When the number one team in the country comes here, they can’t want it more from the start,” Brock Harding said.
The Horned Frogs could not find a rhythm early, shooting 32% (9-28) from the field and 30% (3-10) from three in the first half.
Jammie Dixon said TCU did not play a clean enough game offensively, had bad spacing, and put themselves in tough spots with early fouls from Jayden Pierre and Micah Robinson did not help the Frogs during the first half.
A bright spot for the Horned Frogs was Tanner Toolson, who scored 20 points off the bench, shooting 6-8 from the field and 3-4 from three.
Toolson said the Big 12 is the “conference of opportunities.” TCU will have another opportunity for an upset as they face No. 9 BYU on Wednesday.
TCU now moves to 11-5 and 1-2 in the Big 12 after the loss. The Horned Frogs will play BYU at 10 p.m. on ESPN2.
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TCU forward David Punch celebrates after making a shot at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, Jan. 10, 2026. The TCU Horned Frogs lost to the Arizona Wildcats 73-86.(TCU360/Tyler Wong)
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TCU guard Jace Posey goes up for the layup at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, Jan. 10, 2026. The TCU Horned Frogs lost to the Arizona Wildcats 73-86.(TCU360/Tyler Wong)
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TCU mens basketball players huddle together before tip-offat Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, Jan. 10, 2026. The TCU Horned Frogs lost to the Arizona Wildcats 73-86.(TCU360/Tyler Wong)
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TCU forward Micah Robinson looks onwards during a timeout at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, Jan. 10, 2026. The TCU Horned Frogs lost to the Arizona Wildcats 73-86.(TCU360/Tyler Wong)
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TCU guard Jace Posey drives to the basket at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, Jan. 10, 2026. The TCU Horned Frogs lost to the Arizona Wildcats 73-86.(TCU360/Tyler Wong)
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TCU guard Liutauras Lelevicus sits on the bench during player introductions at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, Jan. 10, 2026. The TCU Horned Frogs lost to the Arizona Wildcats 73-86.(TCU360/Tyler Wong)
