Busting Brackets
Fansided

Big 12 Basketball Tournament: Key storylines for TCU vs Oklahoma State

By Jason Kinander

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - JANUARY 09: Kouat Noi #12 of the TCU Horned Frogs drives the ball on a fast break during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse on January 09, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - JANUARY 09: Kouat Noi #12 of the TCU Horned Frogs drives the ball on a fast break during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse on January 09, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
AMES, IA – FEBRUARY 21: Desmond Bane #1 of the TCU Horned Frogs drives with the ball as Jeff Beverly #55 of the Iowa State Cyclones puts on pressure in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on February 21, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. TCU Horned Frogs won 89-83 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – FEBRUARY 21: Desmond Bane #1 of the TCU Horned Frogs drives with the ball as Jeff Beverly #55 of the Iowa State Cyclones puts on pressure in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on February 21, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. TCU Horned Frogs won 89-83 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

No. 1: The play of TCU’s leading scorer Desmond Bane

Desmond Bane has played incredibly well down the stretch for TCU, and that absolutely must continue on Wednesday if the Horned Frogs want to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive.

In a must-win game against Texas on Saturday, Bane dropped 34 points, leading the Horned Frogs to a massive win over the Longhorns.

Wednesday’s performance must be much of the same.

Averaging 15 points and five rebounds on the season, Bane has made big impacts night-in and night-out. However, Wednesday’s game against the Cowboys is completely different. If TCU losses, there is zero chance that they get in the NCAA Tournament.

On the flip side, a win would greatly increase the Horned Frogs chances, as a win would solidify a twenty win season, and would flush out the earlier loss to Oklahoma State.

On the court, Bane has the be the clear leader. Alex Robinson is the primary ball-handler for TCU, but he must try to get the ball in Bane’s hands on every possession. Hopefully his hot streak from Saturday carries over into the game against Oklahoma State, as the Cowboys will have a very difficult time knocking off TCU if Bane can add another thirty point performance.

Ultimately, ever game has been a must-win for TCU in the last month. But as the clear top offensive player for the Horned Frogs, Bane must further up his play on Wednesday. If he can’t live up to that standard, the Horned Frogs will certainly be settling for the NIT.

Home/TCU Horned Frogs