TCU Men's Basketball Preview: BYU

TCU will be in Provo Saturday to play BYU at 8 p.m. CT. Here is a preview of everything you need to know for the contest.

TCU will play BYU for the first time in the Big 12 on Saturday when they go to Provo, Utah. When tip-off happens at 8 p.m. CT, it will be their first game since March 10, 2011 when the two met in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Conference Championship. 

The Cougars (20-8, 8-7 Big 12) host the Frogs (19-9, 8-7 Big 12) after handing No. 7 Kansas their first home loss of the season in Allen Fieldhouse 76-68. BYU has been one of the biggest surprises in college basketball this year, putting themselves in a great position to be a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. They ranked 10th in NET and 15th in KenPom.

TCU is coming off a disappointing loss at home to No. 15 Baylor 54-62. Without many positives coming from that game, the Frogs will be eager to get the bad taste out of their mouth. Here are some keys to get it done.

Limit Threes

TCU's last outing was a disappointing loss to Baylor.  :: Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

BYU ranks third in the country in made threes (11.4) and second nationally at 32.5 three-point attempts per game. Being able to play up on their shooters will be crucial to neutralizing their goal on offense. Jaxson Robinson, Trevin Knell, and Noah Waterman all have over 50 three-pointers made on the season for the Cougars, so closing out on these key players will be important.

Points In The Paint

TCU's Jameer Nelson Jr. in the game against Baylor :: Brian McLean, OnAssignment Photo/KillerFrogs

BYU is vulnerable against interior scoring and doesn't have a good shot blocker. If TCU players can get downhill inside the paint, then they can capitalize on this weak point for the Cougars. It remains to be seen whether starting center Ernest Udeh Jr. will play or not with his left leg injury, but if he can return from his three game absence, it would be a huge benefit for the Frogs inside.

Run, Run, Run

TCU's Emanuel Miller :: Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

BYU plays a fast-paced style very similar to TCU and doesn't force turnovers well, a soft spot for the Frogs. The Frogs should have little problem playing at the tempo they want, and when they do this, they have had success. TCU is coming off a game where they scored just eight fast break points when they lead the nation averaging 19.1 on the year. Look for this to be a point of emphasis in Provo.

The Cougars will be favored coming into this one, and it will be one of the toughest games of the year so far. If TCU can get it done, it would be a big enough win to feel safe come Selection Sunday. It should be a fun one.

How to Watch, Listen, and Stream: Cincinnati vs. TCU

• Tipoff - 8 p.m. CT, Saturday, March 2
• Television - Big 12 Now on ESPN+ with Pete Sousa and Tim Welsh
• Radio - AM 570 KLIF with Brian Estridge and Bingo Merriex (also available on Sirius XM Channel 81, HFTV, TuneIn, and Varsity)
• Live Stream - fuboTV (Start your free trial)

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