TCU Men's Basketball Loses Heartbreaker to Texas Tech

The Horned Frogs held a 10 point lead late but were unable to hold on in Lubbock.

TCU possessed a 69-59 lead with just under seven minutes to go, but the Frogs went cold at the wrong time, making three of their last 13 shots to fall to No. 23 Texas Tech 82-81. 

It was an electric atmosphere throughout as both teams swapped the lead four times with 11 ties. A three-pointer by Avery Anderson III put TCU (18-8, 7-6) up 33-25 with 3:25 to go in the first half. However, every time it seemed the Frogs were going to extend the lead, the Red Raiders (19-7, 8-5) had a response. Free throws by Pop Isaacs tied the game at 38 heading to halftime. 

Ernest Udeh was out for Tuesday's game, which prompted an increase in minutes for Essam Mostafa. The transfer took advantage, matching a season-high 10 points to go along with eight rebounds and a block.

In the final stretch of this game, the difference was the free throw shooting. Isaacs and Joe Toussaint were critical in sealing this game away at the line. All tied at 77 with a minute to go, Isaacs converted an and-one layup to give the Red Raiders the lead. The Frogs needed a three on multiple possessions because of the stellar Texas Tech free throw shooting. 

On their final possession, the Frogs went to a familiar face in Jameer Nelson Jr. to deliver the game-tying three. He hit a step-back game-winner on Saturday to beat Kansas State, but the result was not the same. JaKobe Coles got the rebound and made the layup, but there was not enough time. 

Emanuel Miller was the leading scorer for the Frogs with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Six players entered double digits in scoring. Anderson also finished with 15 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists and two steals. 

This is certainly a tough loss for TCU in a game that saw a late lead squandered in the final minutes. The loss drops them to seventh in the Big 12 at 7-6. 

The Frogs will be back home for the first time in 12 days this Saturday when they host Cincinnati at 2 p.m. 

Where Is He Now?: TCU Basketball All-Time Assist Leader Alex Robinson Jr.

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