The Kansas Jayhawks are set to kick off their postseason journey in Kansas City with a quarterfinal showdown against the TCU Horned Frogs in the Big 12 Tournament at the T-Mobile Center. After securing a double-bye, the No. 14 Jayhawks (22-9) are ready to face a TCU team that just overcame Oklahoma State.
Game Details
- When: 8:30 p.m. Central on Thursday
- Where: T-Mobile Center
- TV/Streaming: ESPN2
- Opponent’s Record: 22-10
- KenPom Ranking: 42
- Betting Line: KU by 5.5
Scouting Report
TCU Strengths:
The Horned Frogs bring plenty of experience to the court, ranking No. 101 in Division-I experience with an average of 1.78 years. They excel in forcing turnovers, ranking No. 28 in opponent turnover percentage at 19.9%. Their defense is elite, sitting at No. 22 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, allowing just 98.2 points per 100 possessions.
TCU Weaknesses:
However, TCU struggles with shooting, ranking No. 228 in 3-point percentage at 33%. They also don’t rely much on their bench, ranking No. 285 in bench minutes percentage at 27.7%. Free-throw shooting is another area of concern, with a rank of No. 250 and a percentage of 70.6%.
Player to Watch: David Punch
David Punch, a 6-foot-7 sophomore forward, is a key player for TCU. He averages 13.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, while also being a defensive threat with 1.4 steals per game. However, his shooting from beyond the arc is a weak spot, hitting just 20.5%.
Game Prediction
Much has changed since KU edged out TCU in an overtime thriller at Allen Fieldhouse. TCU is on a hot streak, winning six straight and nine of their last ten games. Meanwhile, KU is coming off a dominant win against K-State.
For the Jayhawks, preventing TCU from getting hot from three-point range is crucial. In their last meeting, TCU's 15 three-pointers kept them competitive.
Offensively, KU needs to protect the ball as TCU thrives on turnovers and second-chance points. Additionally, KU should capitalize on TCU's weaker perimeter defense, with freshman star Darryn Peterson aiming to start strong.
Prediction: Kansas 75, TCU 67
Cover the Spread: Kansas (-5.5)
Player Spotlight: Darryn Peterson
All eyes will be on KU’s freshman sensation, Darryn Peterson. Despite a challenging season health-wise, Peterson delivered a standout performance against K-State. If he can continue this momentum into the postseason, he could be the key to a deep Jayhawks run.