TCU men’s basketball found their groove again, securing a pivotal 60-54 victory over West Virginia at Schollmaier Arena. After a tough outing against UCF, the Horned Frogs showed resilience, fueled by a defensive masterclass that forced 16 turnovers and dominated the boards with an 11-rebound advantage.
Head coach Jamie Dixon highlighted the defensive grit, noting, “Defense carried us... We made them take tough shots.”
The game had all the intensity of a March Madness showdown, with both teams eyeing a spot in the NCAA Tournament. TCU, trailing by six, rallied back with Brock Harding leading the charge.
His layup cut the deficit, and he continued to be a thorn in West Virginia’s side, tying the game and assisting David Punch to put TCU ahead. Punch added another crucial basket, pushing the lead to 56-52.
Despite a late push from the Mountaineers, Harding’s cool demeanor at the free-throw line extended the lead, sealing the game. His involvement in 10 of TCU’s final 12 points was instrumental. “He’s a huge piece of our team,” Punch praised, acknowledging Harding's impact.
The Horned Frogs wrapped up the game with a decisive 12-2 run, ensuring the win. Next, they face Arizona State, aiming to maintain their momentum.
Key Takeaways from Saturday’s Game:
Win’s Significance: Both teams were on the NCAA Tournament bubble, making this a high-stakes matchup.
TCU’s victory, their fourth in five games, bolsters their tournament bid, adding a quality Quad 2 win to their resume. Yet, the Horned Frogs must avoid slip-ups against Arizona State and Kansas State to solidify their spot.
Edmonds Shines: Center Xavier Edmonds continued his stellar play, shaking off a slow start to post 14 points and 13 rebounds. His chemistry with Brock Harding in the pick-and-roll was a highlight, contributing to key moments, including a dunk and a crucial three-pointer.
Lelevicius Steps Up: Liutauras Lelevicius was pivotal off the bench, scoring all 14 of his points in the first half.
His three-point shooting turned the tide, helping TCU overcome early mistakes. Despite losing his starting spot, Lelevicius remained a model teammate, delivering when it mattered most.
TCU’s resilience and depth were on full display, setting the stage for an exciting finish to their season.