TCU Men's Basketball Preview: Oklahoma
TCU found itself on the wrong end of a questionable call on Saturday late in the game against Kansas that proved to be the difference maker in a close game. Despite the loss, the Horned Frogs played one of their most impressive games all season.
Micah Peavy defends Kevin McCullar Jr.
They get a chance to bounce back in a big way as they welcome No. 9 Oklahoma to town on Wednesday night.
Oklahoma has been better than many anticipated and has stacked wins against impressive opponents such as Iowa State, Arkansas, Iowa, USC, and Providence. Otega Oweh and Javian McCollum are both averaging right around 14 points per game, and Oweh is shooting a remarkable 63/76/68 shooting split. The Sooners are one of the best defensive teams not just in the Big 12 but also in the country, and they do a good job at making fast-paced teams play slower. This is where the matchup with TCU gets interesting.
The Horned Frogs pride themselves on playing fast. Jamie Dixon's teams at TCU over the past few seasons have adopted the fast-paced identity, which has worked well for them. Problems have arisen when opponents can slow that down, and that is exactly what this Oklahoma team is capable of doing.
So how can TCU overpower Oklahoma and play fast? That will come down to defense and rebounding first. One of the reasons that the Horned Frogs play so fast is that they generate steals. Jameer Nelson Jr., Michah Peavy, and Avery Anderson III combine to make up one of the best defensive backcourts in basketball. These three's defensive instincts and quick hands allow the Frogs to get buckets in transition.
Defense is the other part of this, and that is where the Horned Frogs seem to fall short. Despite only losing to Kansas by two, TCU was out-rebounded on Saturday 40-28. 16 of those 40 for Kansas were offensive rebounds. Oklahoma grabs 38.3 rebounds per game while TCU grabs 39.3. The team that dominates the glass will give itself a major advantage.
Oklahoma is the first real home test of the season for the Horned Frogs, and after a disappointing loss to open Big 12 play, TCU is seeking a big win. These games are the ones that can make or break March.
How to Watch, Listen, and Stream: Kansas vs. TCU
- Tipoff - 8 p.m. CT, Wednesday, January 10
- Television - ESPN2 with Chuckie Kempf and King McClure
- Radio - AM 570 KLIF with Brian Estridge and Collin Boddicker (also available on Sirius XM Channel 375, HFTV, TuneIn, and Varsity
- Live Stream - fuboTV (Start your free trial)
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