FORT, WORTH, Texas — TCU wasted no time making a statement in its first-ever meeting with Kansas City, taking control from the jump and never loosening its grip in an 81–45 blowout at Schollmaier Arena. Jamie Dixon’s squad looked dialed in on both ends, setting an early tone with crisp shooting and relentless defensive pressure.
The Frogs clamped down on the Roos all night, holding them to just 23.2% shooting—TCU’s stingiest defensive performance in nearly a decade and one of the lowest marks posted by any team in the nation this season. Kansas City struggled to generate clean looks, committing 18 turnovers as the Frogs piled up a season-high 12 steals.
From deep, TCU caught fire. The Frogs drilled 14 three-pointers, their most since last season’s opener, and knocked down a season-best 86.7% at the line. They also dominated the glass with a 50–36 rebounding advantage, improving to 143–44 under Dixon when winning the battle on the boards.
Jayden Pierre led the offensive surge with 17 points, tying his career high with five threes and extending his streak of games with a made triple to five. Liutauras Lelevicius poured in a season-high 16 points and a career-best four threes. Brock Harding continued his disruptive defensive stretch with four steals, giving him multiple steals in every game this year.
David Punch delivered his most complete outing as a Horned Frog, finishing with a career-high nine rebounds and seven assists—more than doubling his previous personal best. Vianney Salatchoum added his strongest performance to date with six points and four boards.
Dixon’s November dominance continues, as TCU improves to 49–9 in the month and 72–7 against nonconference opponents at Schollmaier Arena during his tenure.
Up Next:
TCU heads west for a major early-season test. The Frogs face No. 10 Florida on Thursday, Nov. 27 at the Rady Children’s Invitational in San Diego, Calif. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. CT on FS1.
