TCU has a quick turnaround as it takes on red-hot North Texas on Sunday in the US LBM Coast to Coast Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas.
North Texas (7-2) has won four straight games, the latest a 77-75 home victory over Houston Christian on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Horned Frogs (5-3) lost 87-85 in overtime at home to Notre Dame on Friday.
TCU was outrebounded 36-28 by the Fighting Irish, who also shot 55% from the field. David Punch led TCU with 20 points and a team-high seven rebounds. TCU coach Jamie Dixon wants more players to rally to the glass and join Punch in the rebounding battle.
“I’m extremely disappointed by the defense and our rebounding,” Dixon said. “The rebounding is something we know we have to put every moment of focus, every moment of engagement, every play, has to be us doing our job and taking on responsibility. And we just aren’t doing it.”
For the Mean Green, junior reserve Cahmai Crosby didn’t enter the game against Houston Christian until the second half. When he did, Crosby lit it up from long range. His scoring outburst featured 4-of-4 shooting, all on 3-point attempts, for a career-high 12 points in his first season. It also was the first time he scored in double digits in eight games.
“I was just trying to stay in the moment,” said Crosby, who arrived at North Texas as a highly ranked junior college recruit. “I was dialed in and ready. I try to stay ready the whole game. I want to come in and make an impact as soon as I get in. That’s my whole mindset.”
Reece Robinson was 6 of 7 on field-goal attempts to lead North Texas with a career-high 16 points. Je’Shawn Stevenson added 15 points and Josiah Shackelford chipped in 13.
While the Mean Green offense is working to stay connected, North Texas coach Daniyal Robinson said the stiffest challenge of the season awaits in the Horned Frogs.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to play against TCU,” Robinson said. “We saw what they did last week (wins against Wisconsin and Florida). They’ll be as good as a team as we’ve played.”
–Field Level Media
