After going unbeaten in non-conference, TCU is currently 1-3 to start of conference play. Can they manage to beat Trae Young and the Sooners?
TV schedule: Saturday, Jan. 13, 1:00 p.m. ET. ESPNU
Arena: Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma
TCU 13-3 (1-3) is not hot in Big 12 play right now. After a perfect non-conference season, the Horned Frogs have lost three of their first four games and are in danger of being in last place of the standings just a couple of weeks in.
Now in fairness to Jaime Dixon and his team, they’re facing a brutal opening schedule, facing Kansas, Baylor and Oklahoma already. The last one came against Texas, one of the best games of the season.
The Longhorns prevailed in double-overtime, in a game dedicated to teammate Andrew Jones, who was most recently diagnosed with Leukemia. TCU had a chance to win the game, but a Jaylen Fisher lay-in as time experienced rimmed out. The Horned Frogs went down despite making 15 three-pointers in the game.
Oklahoma 13-2 (3-1) has navigated the conference a bit easier, thanks in part to star freshman Trae Young and his 29 point and 10 assist averages. The Sooners had their biggest win of the season, beating Texas Tech in a battle of top 10 teams. Young had 27 points on 9/23 shooting, but the best player in that game was Khadeem Lattin, who was a force inside. The center had 11 points, eight rebounds, and seven blocks on the night.
These teams already played once with Oklahoma taking out the Horned Frogs to open league play 90-89. Young had his best game of the season with 39 points and 14 assists. Kameron McGusty made his contribution from the bench, chipping in with 22 points. From TCU’s side, five guys scored in double figures led by Kenrich Williams with 22 points along with nine rebounds.
Next: Latest Big 12 power rankings
Similar to the first game, expect this one to be nearing triple-digits, as both TCU and Oklahoma two of the highest offensive teams in the league. It comes down to the Sooner’s homecourt or the Horned Frogs desperation. In a slight upset, I’m going with Dixon to find a way to get this one; otherwise panic may ensue.
Prediction: Oklahoma 92 – TCU 95