(Photo/Gregg Ellman )
FORT WORTH, TX – After losing their first game of the season, TCU (4-1) will try and bounce back hosting Providence (3-2) this Wednesday.
TCU lost their first conference game on Sunday to Oklahoma, 82-78. The Horned Frogs lackluster offense and poor defense couldn’t compete with Austin Reaves and the Sooners. TCU shot 43% from the floor and 10 of 28 beyond the arc. Their defense gave up 82 total points, 32 of them to Reaves alone.
Key players that have stepped it up for TCU’s offense; Kevin Samuel, RJ Nembhard and Mike Miles. Samuel is averaging 9 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. His ability to crash the boards creates more offensive opportunities for this lackluster shooting team. Nembhard is averaging 12 points per game and is consistently producing on offense in every contest. Miles is coming off a career high against the Sooners with 21 points. He has great vision creating opportunities for his teammates.
The Horned Frogs inability to knock down shots has led them to rely on ball movement within their offense. They have an assist on 37 of 78 field goals (50%) in their last three games.
The Friars won their last game against Fairleigh Dickinson. Providence is led by David Duke. Duke is averaging 18 points and 5 rebounds this season. Duke is a sharp shooter beyond the arc. He is 7 of 18 in the last five games.
TCU’s offense is going to have to shoot the ball better than what they have in the last five games. They are averaging 40% from the floor this season and need to increase that to stay in competition with Providence. The Horned Frogs will have to shut down Duke from scoring beyond the arc and force him to drive to the basket.
This matchup is going to come down to who plays better defense. The Horned Frogs need to stay patient guarding in the paint and also guard the passing lane forcing the Friars to shoot from long distance. TCU is a bigger team under the basket, if Providence continues to struggle beyond the three like they have been in the last 3 games, TCU should be able to capitalize on rebounding and stop Providence’s offense.
The game will be Wednesday, December 9th at 4:00 p.m.
