TCU entered their first-round matchup against Ohio State with a better record, despite being the slightly lower seed. The Horned Frogs had a decent chance of pulling off the upset, and they didn’t disappoint.
Jumping out to an early lead, TCU held steady through most of the first half. Ohio State made a comeback after halftime, but TCU ultimately secured a narrow 66-64 victory.
Both teams leaned heavily on their starters. Ohio State impressively had all five starters scoring in double figures.
For TCU, the offensive load was primarily carried by Xavier Edmonds, David Punch, and Micah Robinson. Neither team shot particularly well, but TCU's nearly 40% success rate from beyond the arc proved crucial.
The team stats were fairly balanced. TCU boasted the leading scorer and rebounder, though they fell short in assists.
They edged out Ohio State in 3-point percentage, rebounds, time with the lead, and the largest lead. However, Ohio State excelled at the free-throw line and had a slight edge in overall field goal percentage.
While a nine-over-eight upset isn’t headline-grabbing, it’s a solid win for TCU. But there’s an intriguing parallel worth noting.
Coach P’s Privateers and Their Impact
Percy Miller, known to many as Master P, has made waves as the coach and president of basketball operations for the University of New Orleans. His name is now being mentioned as a potential candidate for higher-profile coaching positions.
Taking over after a challenging 4-27 season, Coach P led the Privateers to a 15-win season and a winning record in conference play. Before this turnaround, UNO faced off against TCU.
In that matchup, UNO dominated TCU in a way that the 78-74 scoreline doesn’t fully capture. TCU only led for the first 2 minutes and 30 seconds, while UNO maintained control throughout, at one point leading by 21 points.
The player stats were similarly lopsided, with New Orleans leading in points, rebounds, and assists. They also outperformed TCU in field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, free-throw percentage, and rebounding. TCU’s only statistical win was in turnovers.
Though not a Power 4 program, the Privateers, under Coach P’s leadership, played the role of David to TCU’s Goliath and emerged victorious.
A Win with Broader Implications
TCU’s advancement in the tournament is a positive step for their program. However, Coach P’s victory over TCU with a rebuilt roster, following a scandal-ridden season, is even more significant.
While TCU’s athletic department operates with a budget around $150 million, UNO’s basketball budget is a modest $250,000, most of which comes directly from Coach P. Despite the financial disparity, Coach P has demonstrated his coaching prowess and could soon be considered for positions at higher levels. His ability to lead UNO to a decisive win over a tournament-bound TCU team underscores his potential.
As TCU moves forward in the tournament, the impact of Coach P and his Privateers continues to resonate, marking a pivotal moment for both programs.