FORT WORTH, Texas – TCU faces a critical juncture in its pursuit of an NCAA Tournament berth as the Horned Frogs host Arizona State on Tuesday in a late-season Big 12 matchup at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. The game presents a significant challenge for both teams, each navigating its own path toward postseason contention as the regular season winds down. The focus for TCU is maintaining momentum and solidifying its resume, while Arizona State desperately needs wins to bolster its own tournament hopes.
The Horned Frogs (17-10, 7-7 Big 12) have rediscovered their form, winning four of their last five games, including a hard-fought 60-54 victory over West Virginia on Saturday. That win was a crucial bounce-back after a 82-71 loss to UCF earlier in the week. Xavier Edmonds and Liutauras Lelevicius led the way against the Mountaineers with 14 points apiece, while David Punch added 12, including seven during a pivotal 17-5 run late in the game that sealed the victory. TCU’s ability to limit West Virginia to just two points over the final 5:42 proved decisive.
“We had to fight, and once again, we made great strides,” TCU head coach Jamie Dixon said after the win. “Our defense helped us get ahead: we forced 16 turnovers and won the rebound battle by 11. We made them take tough shots. I wish our offense had been better early.”
Lelevicius’s contributions have been particularly valuable, with all of his points against West Virginia coming in the first half. “I know I have to shoot when I’m open,” he said, reflecting on his role within the offense. “Over time, you get used to that role and the guys, as you play with them more in practices, and games.”
Arizona State Faces Uphill Battle
Arizona State (14-13, 5-9) enters the contest off a disappointing 73-68 loss at Baylor on Saturday. The Sun Devils had been on a two-game winning streak, including a notable 72-67 victory at home against then-No. 13 Texas Tech on February 17, making the setback against Baylor all the more frustrating. Anthony Johnson led Arizona State with 20 points off the bench, while Maurice Odum contributed 12 points and Massamba Diop recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Allen Mukeba also added 10 points.
The game at Baylor was tightly contested, remaining tied at 61 with 3:23 left to play, but Arizona State was unable to close out the game. Coach Bobby Hurley acknowledged the need to refine their late-game execution. “We’ll work on end-of-game situations for the next two or three days,” Hurley said.
Given their current record, Arizona State likely needs to win all four of its remaining regular-season games to secure a spot in the first round of the Big 12 tournament. The team remains focused on the task ahead. “We stick together and we’ve gotten some good wins, quality wins that give us confidence that we can really do this,” said Arizona State guard Noah Meeusen.
TCU’s Tournament Prospects
For TCU, Tuesday’s game represents an opportunity to further strengthen its NCAA Tournament profile. The Horned Frogs’ recent success, combined with a challenging schedule in the Big 12, has positioned them favorably in the eyes of the selection committee. A win against Arizona State would add another quality victory to their resume. The Big 12 is widely considered one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, and each win carries significant weight.
The Horned Frogs’ defensive prowess has been a key factor in their recent turnaround. Their ability to force turnovers and control the boards has consistently disrupted opponents’ offenses. Though, Dixon has emphasized the need for improved offensive consistency, particularly in the early stages of games.
Arizona State’s challenge will be to contain TCU’s offensive threats and exploit any defensive vulnerabilities. The Sun Devils’ ability to rebound and limit second-chance points will be crucial. The game is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams vying for a crucial victory.
The matchup between TCU and Arizona State is set for Tuesday at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Fans can follow the game for live updates and scores on CBS Sports here.
Looking ahead, both teams will continue to navigate the challenging Big 12 schedule, with each game carrying significant implications for their postseason aspirations. TCU will look to build on its recent momentum, while Arizona State will aim to salvage its season with a strong finish.
What are your thoughts on this upcoming Big 12 showdown? Share your predictions and insights in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow college basketball fans!
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