By Jack Costantino
GREENVILLE, SC – In a game defined by methodical pacing, stifling defense, and timely shot-making, the TCU Horned Frogs edged the Ohio State Buckeyes, 66-64, on Thursday. It was Xavier Edmonds who delivered the final blow, sinking a game-winning shot with seconds remaining to cap a back-and-forth affair.
The contest began as a defensive struggle. After a Bruce Thornton jumper put the Buckeyes on the board first, a lid seemed to descend on Ohio State’s basket. Both teams operated with methodical precision, grinding out possessions that often ended with late-shot-clock attempts. The Buckeyes’ struggles were evident early, as they endured a 4:20 scoring drought and hit just 1-of-6 from beyond the arc, with nearly every look heavily contested.
While Ohio State’s offense sputtered, TCU found its rhythm thanks to the three-headed monster of David Punch, Micah Robinson, and Xavier Edmonds. Edmonds emerged as an early difference-maker, knocking down his first two three-pointers. He and Micah Robinson formed a potent tandem, combining to score 23 of the Horned Frogs’ 39 first-half points.
TCU closed the opening period with a dominant 11-0 run, holding the Buckeyes to a mere two points over the final 4:39 to take a 39-28 lead into the break.
Ohio State showed renewed energy to start the second half, coming out strong and quickly cutting into the deficit. However, the Buckeyes’ offensive consistency remained elusive; their promising start was immediately followed by another scoring drought that stretched over three minutes.
Despite their streaky offense, the Buckeyes refused to fold. They leaned on a tenacious defensive effort to claw their way back into the game. Their persistence paid off as they orchestrated an 11-1 run, propelling them into the lead for the first time since the score was 5-2 in the game’s opening minutes.
From there, the game became a battle of wills. With the clock winding down and the game hanging in the balance, it was Edmonds who once again became the difference-maker. The forward, who had been instrumental in TCU’s first-half surge, calmly converted the game-winning layup with a matter of seconds left on the clock, sending the Horned Frogs to a thrilling 66-64 victory and on to Saturday.
FROGS SET TO FACE DUKE TODAY
Following TCU’s day of reflection and preparation for the Blue Devils, it may have hit home that Duke isn’t the same team without Patrick Ngongba and Caleb Foster. What can the Frogs to do combat the remaining Duke attack led by Cam Boozer?
The plan starts and stops with how the Frogs decide to defend the Blue Devils. If Head Coach Jamie Dixon decides to play more of a drop than a hedge. A hedge would likely yield a four-on-three power play-type attack from Duke, whereas a drop would require Duke to make a secondary play. The schematic problem on paper is that the Horned Frogs are more of a Hedge-style defense, with just one day of prep for this game. Dixon will undoubtedly deploy double teams on the great Cam Boozer, will the Blue Devils make them pay?
TCU’s offense is getting a gift if they are not facing Patrick Ngongba. Edmonds and Punch will have a bit more freedom of movement on the interior than they normally would against a healthy Ngongba. Should Ngongba go, that makes this a pretty tough task for the Frogs on offense.
We know one thing is true, TCU is 10-2 in their past 12 games, with a major win at Texas Tech on that list. Confidence won’t be an issue. Not sure if Duke can say the same, after what we saw vs. Siena.
