For a while, it looked like this one might slip away.
TCU controlled the first half, built a comfortable lead, and had things moving at its pace. Then everything flipped in the second half. Ohio State came charging back, the crowd got into it, and suddenly the game felt like it belonged to the Buckeyes.
That is how quickly things can turn this time of year.
But just when it felt like TCU might lose control, the Horned Frogs found one more answer.
And that was enough.
Ohio State surge turns comfortable game into a fight
TCU did a lot right early.
The Horned Frogs led 39-24 at halftime, playing with balance and composure. Micah Robinson led the way with 18 points, while David Punch added 16 points and 13 rebounds, giving TCU a steady presence inside. Xavier Edmonds chipped in 16 as well, and the offense never felt rushed.
Ohio State, meanwhile, struggled to find any rhythm.
That changed after halftime.
The Buckeyes came out with more urgency, started getting stops, and slowly worked their way back into the game. Shots that were not falling earlier started to drop, and possession by possession, the deficit shrank.
Eventually, Ohio State took the lead late, completing a full comeback and putting all the pressure back on TCU.
Final seconds define everything
The last minute felt like March.
Bruce Thornton knocked down a three to tie the game at 64, capping off Ohio State’s push and giving the Buckeyes real momentum. It felt like they had done everything needed to steal it.
But TCU responded immediately.
With just seconds left, Xavier Edmonds attacked and finished at the rim to put the Horned Frogs back in front, 66-64, with four seconds remaining.
Ohio State still had one last chance.
It just did not go in.
Survive and move on
That is the reality of this tournament.
It does not have to be perfect. It just has to be enough.
TCU becomes the first team into the second round, surviving a game that shifted multiple times and nearly got away. Now the Horned Frogs will face the winner of Duke and Siena, stepping into a much bigger spotlight.
For Ohio State, the comeback will be what lingers.
They found something in the second half. They just ran out of time.
And in March, that is often the difference.