(Photo/Gregg Ellman )
FORT WORTH, TX – TCU (6-2) will be back home this Wednesday night to host North Dakota State (2-5).
TCU is looking to add another tally under the win column after splitting their last four games. The Horned Frogs beat Oklahoma State 77-76 in their last matchup. TCU is led by RJ Nembhard who is averaging 17.9 points and 4.9 assists per game. He scored the game winning shot to defeat Oklahoma State last Wednesday night. TCU is also accompanied by Mike Miles, who is averaging 12.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.
The Horned Frogs offense has improved dramatically since the beginning of the season. They have a very wide spread offense. They play very unselfish and have a lot of ball movement. This creates open looks, the ability to penetrate the basket, and the option to shoot the open 3-pointer. They are shooting 47 percent from the floor so far this season and average 70.9 points per game.
TCU’s defense has also stepped up in the last few games. They usually have a huge size advantage under the basket when playing smaller teams. Kevin Samuel has been huge for TCU grabbing all the rebounds. Samuel is averaging 10 points and 10 rebounds, and has had two double doubles. TCU has been out rebounding their opponents, averaging 33.3 rebounds per game.
Despite being one of the youngest teams in the country, TCU has found a way to adapt, leading them to a 6-2 record.
North Dakota State is 2-5 on the season but don’t let that fool you, they have earned some respect despite their losing record. The Bison are no pushovers, this team is gritty and will fight until the very end. North Dakota State fought back against nationally ranked No. 3 Kansas and No. 13 Creighton, only losing by a couple baskets.
The Bison have serious issues on offense converting on 39 percent of their shots. They struggle with hitting mid range shots late into the second half. North Dakota State is led by Rocky Kreuser and Tyree Eady. Kreuser is averaging 11.7 points and 1.9 assists per game. Eady is averaging 11.6 points and six rebounds per game.
North Dakota State will fight hard on defense. They show a lot of effort under the basket averaging 34.5 rebounds per game. They haven’t shot the ball well this season and their team has been under fire for shooting at a low percentage. Since they don’t have key players that can create open shots for themselves, they try to get everybody involved as a team effort. All of the players crash the boards and help their teammates get second chance scoring opportunities.
In order for TCU to get a victory over North Dakota State, Nembard has to continue to produce and also get his teammates involved. TCU’s entire team has to crash the boards and outrebound the Bison. They can not come into this game underestimating this team. TCU has to be aggressive the whole game. The Horned Frogs have a history of coming out lackadaisical in the second half, they can not do that with this team. North Dakota State will capitalize on that if they see the opportunity. The Bison will not roll over and will play until the whistle blows. The Horned Frogs need to make note of that and play to their fullest ability for 40 minutes.
The game will be Tuesday, December 22 at 8 p.m.
