FORT WORTH, TX — TCU (10-7) snapped their five-game losing streak after defeating Oklahoma State (11-5) for the second time this season 81-78. RJ Nembhard’s 20 points and Jaedon LeDee’s three-point play with 2.2 seconds left carried TCU to a win over the Cowboys.
The Horned Frogs started the game with intense offense, all five starters were knocking down shots and getting involved on offense. Mike Miles had 18 points, Chuck O’Bannon had 15 points and Kevin Samuel had 14 points. They led for the first 10 minutes of the game.
TCU was aggressive on defense and ran the floor extremely well in the first half. The communication on transition defense kept Oklahoma State from scoring on the transition. Samuel had a huge presence under the basket for TCU, limiting Oklahoma State’s second chance opportunities.
The latter 10 minutes of the first half was a back and forth battle for both teams. TCU shot 44 percent in the first half and 37.5 percent from beyond the arc. Oklahoma State shot 40 percent from the floor and 28 percent from beyond the arc. Both teams were dominant under the basket, coming up with 18 rebounds a piece going into the half.
TCU went into the locker room tied to Oklahoma State 34-34.
The beginning of the second half was back and forth for both teams. TCU started to outrebound Oklahoma State and was scrappy underneath the basket, giving TCU a 52-45 lead with 13.5 minutes left in regulation.
The Horned Frogs offense was intense the entire second half. They played with confidence and poise and finished every play. The guards were penetrating the basket aggressively and Samuel was eating up every board down low. TCU capitalized on every second chance opportunity tonight to score.
With five minutes left in the second half, Oklahoma State went back up by one. TCU did not roll over and kept attacking the basket. This game came down to rebounding and the Horned Frogs outrebounded Oklahoma State in the last 3 minutes of the game, ending the night out rebounding the Cowboy’s 35-28.
TCU was down four with 45 seconds left. Mike Miles stole the ball and made a layup. Bringing the Horned Frogs within two. The next play Miles was fouled and sent to the freethrow line where he made 1-of-2 bringing them within one point. TCU executed tonight at the free throw line, helping them with this win. They shot 76 percent from the line and shot 16-of-21.
TCU stole the ball with 3.2 seconds left and LeDee was wide open for a layup and was fouled for a chance to make it a three-point play. He made the freethrow and the Horned Frogs won by 3.
TCU will be on the road this upcoming Saturday to take on No. 2 Baylor at 3 p.m.
TCU Leaders :
RJ Nembhard had 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Mike Miles had 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Chuck O’Bannon had 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist.
Kevin Samuel had 14 points and 6 rebounds.
