TCU Outlasts Oklahoma State in Overtime Thriller, Keeps NCAA Tournament Hopes Rolling
In a game that had everything - clutch shots, momentum swings, and a whole lot of grit - TCU men’s basketball walked out of Stillwater with a 95-92 overtime win over Oklahoma State on Saturday. And make no mistake, this one matters. Not just because it’s a road win, not just because it’s a Big 12 battle, but because it’s a Quad 1 victory that adds serious weight to the Horned Frogs’ NCAA Tournament resume.
TCU (16-9, 6-6 Big 12) completed the season sweep over the Cowboys (16-9, 4-8), having already edged them out in a tight one back in January. But this time, it took a little extra to get it done - five minutes of overtime, to be exact.
Let’s break down how TCU got it done, who stepped up, and why this win keeps the Frogs trending in the right direction.
Late-Game Drama, Overtime Grit
With just over 30 seconds left in regulation, it looked like Jayden Pierre had delivered the dagger. His three-pointer gave TCU an 82-78 lead, and the Horned Frogs seemed poised to walk out with a statement road win. But the door cracked open when TCU missed two of its final four free throws - including a split at the line by Liutaurus Lelevicius with 6.5 seconds remaining.
Oklahoma State took full advantage. Parsa Fallah came up with a huge putback right before the buzzer to tie it at 84 and send the game into overtime.
In the extra period, TCU once again built a cushion, this time on the back of two clutch free throws from Brock Harding that made it 93-87 with 1:35 to play. But the Cowboys weren’t done yet. Christian Coleman drilled a three, then knocked down two free throws to make it a one-point game with under 30 seconds left.
That’s when TCU showed poise. The Horned Frogs broke Oklahoma State’s full-court press cleanly, leading to an easy layup from Micah Robinson with 16 seconds left. One final defensive stand sealed it, as Oklahoma State’s game-tying attempt missed at the horn.
That’s three straight wins now for TCU, and with each one, the Frogs are building momentum at just the right time.
David Punch Flips the Switch
David Punch didn’t look like himself in the first half - and that’s putting it lightly. The sophomore forward, who’s been TCU’s go-to guy this season, had just two points at the break and had missed eight of his first nine shots.
But credit to Punch - he didn’t let the slow start define his night. He came out of the locker room with a renewed edge, scoring eight of TCU’s first 10 points in the second half to help re-establish control. Then came the full offensive arsenal: a smooth three-pointer, a strong finish inside, and a string of plays that reminded everyone why he’s the engine of this team.
Punch finished with 19 points - 17 of them after halftime - and added three steals and two blocks for good measure. Without that second-half surge, there’s no way TCU survives this one.
Fallah’s Redemption Arc
When these two teams met back in January, TCU held Parsa Fallah to just two points - a season low for one of the Big 12’s most consistent big men. Saturday was a different story.
The 6-foot-10 senior came out aggressive and set the tone early, scoring 11 points in the first half to keep Oklahoma State within striking distance. He kept it rolling in the second, at one point scoring eight straight for the Cowboys and knocking down a timely three to cut into TCU’s lead.
Even when he went cold for a stretch in the second half, Fallah delivered when it mattered most. He scored multiple clutch buckets in the final minutes of regulation, including the game-tying putback that forced overtime. He finished with a game-high 27 points and six rebounds - a bounce-back performance that nearly turned the tide.
Horned Frogs Heat Up from Deep
TCU hasn’t exactly made its name from behind the arc this season. Coming into the game, the Frogs ranked 12th in the Big 12 in three-point percentage. But you wouldn’t have known it watching Saturday’s performance.
In the first half alone, TCU knocked down seven threes and shot 54% from deep. Five different players hit from beyond the arc, creating a level of floor spacing that’s been missing for much of the season.
There was a particularly fun stretch midway through the first half where both teams traded haymakers from deep - Tanner Toolson hit one for TCU, Oklahoma State’s Anthony Roy answered, and then Pierre hit back-to-back triples to give TCU a 21-13 lead.
Even as things tightened up in the second half, the Frogs kept firing. They added five more threes after the break and finished the game shooting 48% from distance. Pierre led the way with four makes and 16 points, while Harding added three threes and finished with 15.
It was, without question, one of TCU’s best shooting performances of the season - and it came at exactly the right time.
What’s Next
With three straight wins under their belt - including a top-five upset and now a gritty road win in overtime - the Horned Frogs are building a compelling case for March. They’ll look to keep the momentum going when they travel to face Central Florida on Tuesday night.
If this team keeps playing with this kind of resilience, don’t be surprised if they’re dancing come Selection Sunday.