TCU Men’s Basketball: No. 19 TCU Falters In Loss To No. 24 Iowa State

Frogs’ 2nd-half effort not enough against the Cyclones

The No. 24 Iowa State Cyclones stunned the No. 19 TCU Horned Frogs in a 73-72 victory at Schollmaier Arena Saturday.

That is now two consecutive losses in Big 12 conference play for TCU after dropping their midweek matchup against Cincinnati in overtime. It was a day of frustration for the Frogs, who immediately fell behind following seven turnovers in the opening five minutes.

The Cyclones dominated the first half, capitalizing on 23 turnovers for 29 points. It was the most turnovers by the Horned Frogs since December of 1999. Iowa State also outscored the Frogs in the paint 24-6 and 2nd-chance points 9-0.

Jan 20, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Keshon Gilbert (10) celebrates with Iowa State Cyclones guard Curtis Jones (5) during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports   / © Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

After a dominant first half, the Cyclones took a 44-26 lead into halftime.

It was a very different 2nd half for the Frogs, who only committed four turnovers. The Cyclones led by as much as 19 points in the 2nd half, but the Frogs put Iowa State on their heels in the final minutes.

With 4:20 remaining, JaKobe Coles hit a mid-range jumper to cut the deficit to 10 before the Frogs got a crucial defensive stop. Flying up the court, Micah Peavy cut the lead to just eight with left in the game before Emanuel Miller snatched a steal, laying it up to make it 71-65 with 2:23 left.

Then, a steal by Trevian Tennyson set the Frogs up on the break and cut the lead to just four with 1:47.

It was too little too late as the Frogs failed to convert in their final possessions. Falling into a fouling game, the Frogs attempted to cut the lead. The game's last play resulted in Tennyson hitting a three-pointer, ending the game 73-72.

Jan 20, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs forward Emanuel Miller (2) reacts after the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / © Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Down by 18 at halftime, Jamie Dixon and the Frogs inspired quite the turnaround. TCU outscored Iowa State 46-29 in the 2nd half, but it wasn't enough as the Cyclones now improve to 14-4 (3-2, Big 12) and the Frogs fall to 13-5 (2-3, Big 12).

Jan 20, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs head coach Jamie Dixon reacts during the first half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports   / © Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Keshon Gilbert led the Cyclones with 20 points as Curtis Jones tallied 17 points, seven steals, and four assists.

Leading the scoring for the Frogs was Tennyson with 19, Peavy with 11, and Miller with 10. Despite recent free throw struggles, Ernest Udeh Jr. got all his points from the foul line, going 8-10. Surprisingly, the Frogs were more efficient shooting than the Cyclones, shooting 50% from the field and 76.9% from the free throw line.

The biggest story from Saturday will be the Frogs' inability to overcome their mistakes–27 turnovers are unacceptable. While TCU turned things around in the 2nd half, that was the difference against Iowa State.

TCU will have a quick turnaround as they get set to face Oklahoma State (8-10, 0-5 Big 12) in Stillwater, OK. Tip-off is slated for Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. on ESPN2.

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