FORT WORTH, Texas — TCU leaned on defense, rebounding and a steady second half to open Big 12 play with a 69–63 win over rival Baylor on Saturday, snapping the Bears’ five-game road streak in the series and evening the all-time Fort Worth ledger at 46–46.
The Horned Frogs controlled the night almost wire to wire, leading for more than 37 minutes and building a cushion that grew to 14 points before holding off a late Baylor push. TCU improved to 8–3 at home this season and notched its first home win over the Bears since Feb. 29, 2020.
TCU’s trademark under Jamie Dixon showed up again on the stat sheet. The Frogs owned the glass and protected the rim, finishing with a season-high 10 blocks while outrebounding Baylor — a combination that has reliably spelled wins in the Dixon era. TCU also edged Baylor from the field, 38.3% to 37.3%, improving to 119–3 under Dixon when it both outshoots and outrebounds its opponent.
Micah Robinson powered TCU’s interior effort with his second career double-double, posting 13 points and 10 rebounds, matching his career high on the boards. Liutauras Lelevicius added 15 points, knocking down three 3-pointers for the second straight game, and Xavier Edmonds finished with 12 as TCU spread the scoring load.
David Punch, quiet early, came alive after halftime and scored all 11 of his points in the second half while adding four blocks. Punch has reached double figures in nine straight outings and has recorded at least one block in every game this season. Jayden Pierre hit a pair of threes, his ninth multi-three performance this year, and Brock Harding directed the offense with five assists, a team high for the 11th time.
Baylor briefly led for 10 seconds but spent most of the night chasing TCU’s energy and size in the paint. When the Bears threatened late, TCU’s rim protection and rebounding again tilted the final minutes.
With the win, TCU moved to 124–43 at home under Dixon and 47–35 in Big 12 home contests, opening conference play with a rivalry statement built on familiar pillars — defense, boards and poise down the stretch.
