The #24 TCU Horned Frogs (18-10, 14-13-1 ATS, 7-8 Big 12) will seek to get back on track against the Texas Tech Red Raiders (16-12, 13-14-1 ATS, 5-10 Big 12), who suddenly can't lose to conference rivals. These teams met earlier in the season on New Year's Eve, and TCU earned a six-point win that afternoon. It was the sixth straight win for the home team in this head-to-head series. Texas Tech can make it seven when they welcome the Horned Frogs to United Supermarkets Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for noon eastern time.
Losses in five of the last six games have TCU on the verge of falling out of the AP top-25. KenPom's 21st-rated team is still looking safe for the NCAA Tournament at least, projected to earn a six-seed right now. Unless they get it together, that number may keep getting lower though.
The most recent loss was at least to Kansas, the defending champs and a perennial powerhouse. The game was tight throughout, with TCU's greatest deficit only hitting seven points, but the Horned Frogs couldn't get over the hump in the five-point loss. Their offense struggled heavily, only hitting 30.3% of their shots from the floor. JaKobe Coles was an exception, making 5/8 off the bench for 12 points.
TCU has been ranked for most of the season on the strength of stifling defense. In particular, their three-point defense shines, holding opposing teams to 30.6%, the 30th-best mark in the nation. Overall, their opponents only shoot 42.2% They also average 4.8 blocks and 8.5 steals per game, both top-three in the Big 12. The Horned Frogs play at a high tempo yet only allow 67.1 points per game this year.
The offense isn't quite as pretty, especially from beyond the arc. TCU shoots 29.1% on threes, which is 354th nationally and last in the conference. They're much better from inside the arc, leading to 46.4% shooting from the floor and 75.8 points per game, both fifth in the Big 12. The Horned Frogs average 21.3 free throws per contest, 46th in the country.
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