(Photo/ Gregg Ellman)
FORT WORTH, TX – TCU (4-2) moves to 4-2 on the season after a disappointing loss to Providence (4-2) 79-70 in the Big 12-Big East battle.
The Horned Frogs struggled throughout this entire game and the issues started early on. TCU’s offense was not performing. They shot 35% from the three point line and got outrebounded. TCU only had four offensive boards in the first half. The Friars full court press was not making things any easier for the Horned Frogs. The press put a dent in TCU’s offense causing 10 turnovers by halftime.
Things were not looking good on the other end of the court either. TCU’s defense was non-existent. They let Providence shoot beyond the arc, penetrate the basket and have multiple second chance scoring opportunities. The Friars outworked this TCU team under the basket. Providence led at the half with 11 offensive boards and 10 defensive boards.
Providence had a nine point lead going into the half up 43-32.
The second half was the same story. TCU was not playing solid basketball and it showed. Providence out rebounded TCU 35-20 and caused 17 TCU turnovers with their full court press.
TCU’s offense was led by the two guards, RJ Nembhard and Mike Miles. Nembhard led the Horned Frogs with 25 points and Miles contributed 20. Without these two TCU doesn’t have much of an offense.
Coach Jamie Dixon said they have experienced a lot of adversity this year between injured players and regulations with COVID-19 but still expects his players to respond better. He said this is the time to learn and grow as a player and they need to do a better job at working through the adversity. He said there is no reason his players shouldn’t be out there playing hard and giving it their all.
Providence was led by David Duke. He had his second straight game with 28 points. He was 5 of 8 beyond the arc. Nate Watson also contributed 18 points.
