The Horned Frogs clinched their 18th win of the season with a commanding 90-78 victory over Arizona State, showcasing a blend of resilience and skill.
In the first half, it was all about Xavier Edmonds for TCU. Edmonds was on fire, dropping 14 points while shooting an impressive 5-7 from the field and 2-3 from beyond the arc.
Despite Edmonds' standout performance, TCU only managed to secure a slim 33-30 lead by halftime. Their shooting woes were evident, as they hit just 32.4% from the field and a mere 14.3% from three-point range.
The second half started with a spark. Edmonds and Micah Robinson both sank threes in the opening minutes, which, according to Head Coach Jamie Dixon, "helped get the lid off the rim."
A dramatic moment unfolded with 14:53 left when Brock Harding found himself trapped near the ASU bench and called a timeout. Things heated up when a player from Arizona State's bench stripped the ball from Harding, leading to a scuffle. After a lengthy pause to sort out the chaos, Malick Diallo was ejected from the game.
The Horned Frogs responded to the altercation with a decisive 12-2 run, stretching their lead to 60-49 with just over ten minutes remaining. Micah Robinson noted the team's ability to keep their emotions in check after the incident, which was crucial in maintaining control throughout the second half.
Robinson was instrumental in the win, contributing 20 points on 6-13 shooting, including 3-5 from three-point land, and pulling down eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Brock Harding recorded a double-double, tallying 10 points and 11 assists with only a single turnover. Coach Dixon praised Harding's defensive efforts, highlighting them as key to the victory.
The Horned Frogs' ability to stay composed and execute on both ends of the floor allowed them to extend their lead to 15 points with just under three minutes left, sealing a well-earned victory.