Game Primer: How to Watch, Key Players and Important Information for TCU Horned Frogs at Kansas Jayhawks
The Kansas Jayhawks have suffered two straight losses in conference play by just seven points, falling back in the conference race before hitting a stretch that should allow them to pick up some easier wins. It's the first matchup of the season against the TCU Horned Frogs, who have struggled this season with the very talented conference.
The Horned Frogs lead the all-time series 15-9, but the series is tied 5-5 at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas has won three of the last four, including both games last season.
Before today's important matchup, here are the essentials:
The Numbers
Editor's Note: Unless otherwise noted, all stats are provided by CBB Analytics. CBB Analytics is a new stats website in college hoops, covering both men and women's basketball in D-I, D-II and D-III. You can follow them on Twitter @CBBAnalytics
Kansas: 14-7 (4-6 Big 12): CBB Analytics Net Rating - 48th overall, 72nd offense, 40th defense
TCU: 6-16 (0-11 Big 12): Net Rating - 277th overall, 277th offense, 229th defense
Line: KU -19.5
O/U: 132.5
How to Watch
Saturday, February 4th, 4:00 p.m. CST
Lawrence, KS: Allen Fieldhouse
TV: Big 12 Now on ESPN+
- Josh Klingler (Play-by-Play), Brenda VanLengen (Analyst)
Radio: IMG Jayhawk Radio Network
- Steven Davis (Play-by-Play), David Lawrence (Analyst)
Webcast: Kansas Online Radio
Game Coverage
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Opponent Team Form
The Horned Frogs have struggled the entire season, and it shows in their statistics. They struggle from the field, they struggle with rebounding and they struggle with getting to the line. They have been decent with steals and blocks on the season, but those two statistics have tanked during conference play.
As far as style of play, the Horned Frogs take the majority of their shots from inside, but they still take more three-pointers than the average team. However, they don't shoot often at the rim, and that has hurt them offensively. Defensively, they have been pretty good at preventing offensive rebounds from their opponents in conference play, but that is about it.
The team averages 60.2 points, 33.2 rebounds, 12.4 assists and 8.9 steals per game.
Players to Watch
The Horned Frogs are led by guard Tomi Taiwo, who averages 14.4 points per game. Guard Emily Fisher leads the team in assists, at 4.1 per game. The leading three point shooter is guard Paige Bradley, who makes 39.5% of her attempts.
In the post, TCU has two main threats. Lucy Ibeh averages 10.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, and is much more of a scorer, while Bella Cravens averages 5.87 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.
Matchups to Watch
For once, the Jayhawks are not the team that has to worry the most about foul trouble in the paint. Not only is Taiyanna Jackson going to be the most dominant player on the floor, Chandler Prater, Nadira Eltayeb and Zsofia Telegdy have all proven capable of playing well on the inside. Get either Ibeh or Cravens in foul trouble and the advantage becomes even greater.
Out on the perimeter, Wyvette Mayberry is the player to watch. If there is ever a game where she can actually afford to be in foul trouble, this is it, but the Kansas offense looks completely different when she is not on the floor.
Prediction
The line on this one is huge, and for good reason. TCU has struggled to keep any of their games competitive in the conference this year, and this one should be no different. I expect everyone to contribute in this one, and all of Jackson, Holly Kersgieter, Zakiyah Franklin and Mayberry should be able to get plenty of rest in this one.
Kansas 87, TCU 58.
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