FORT WORTH, Texas — TCU leaned on defense, discipline and balance Tuesday night, pulling away from Oral Roberts for a 72-53 nonconference win at Schollmaier Arena.
The Horned Frogs controlled the game early and never let ORU find a rhythm, shooting 48.2 percent from the floor while holding the Golden Eagles to 38.5 percent. TCU also won the rebounding battle 38-26, a formula that has consistently paid off under head coach Jamie Dixon.
TCU’s efficiency stood out as much as its physicality. The Frogs committed just eight turnovers for the second straight game, a season low, and methodically built separation on both ends. The win pushed TCU to 5-3 at home this season and extended its dominance in the series, improving to 5-1 all-time against Oral Roberts.
Historically, nights like this have been routine for Dixon’s teams. TCU is now 92-21 in November and December games under Dixon and 111-20 against nonconference opponents, including a remarkable 74-7 mark at Schollmaier Arena. When the Frogs outshoot and outrebound their opponent, the numbers are even more lopsided — now 118-3 in those situations.
David Punch set the tone with a game-high 17 points, continuing his steady stretch of production with his sixth straight game scoring at least 12. Punch also led TCU on the glass for the seventh consecutive game with six rebounds and added three blocked shots, extending his streak of recording a block in every game this season.
Micah Robinson matched Punch with six rebounds, while Tanner Toolson provided a spark off the floor, grabbing a season-high five boards and logging a season-best 27 minutes. Jayden Pierre filled the stat sheet, knocking down two 3-pointers, dishing out four assists and collecting three steals. He has now hit a 3-pointer in 10 of TCU’s 11 games.
Freshman Kayden Edwards added a boost from the bench with a season-high seven points in a season-most 11 minutes, as TCU continued to get contributions up and down the lineup.
The Frogs improved to 7-0 this season when winning the rebounding battle, another sign that their identity is taking shape as nonconference play rolls on.
