GREENVILLE, S.C. — TCU’s tournament run came to a halt Saturday as top-ranked Duke asserted control early and never let up, rolling to an 81-58 victory in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Horned Frogs struggled to find offensive rhythm against Duke’s pressure and length, shooting just 33.3 percent from the field — matching their lowest mark of the season. It also marked the first time all year TCU was held under 60 points.
Despite taking care of the basketball with only eight turnovers, TCU couldn’t keep pace with a Duke squad that shot 55.1 percent from the floor, one of the highest marks allowed by the Frogs this season.
TCU’s season closes with an 8-12 all-time record in NCAA Tournament play and an 0-1 mark against Duke. The Frogs also fell to 1-12 historically against No. 1-ranked teams.
Micah Robinson led TCU with 18 points, his second straight game pacing the team and his 20th double-digit performance this season. Xavier Edmonds added 12 points, extending his consistent scoring run with his 22nd game in double figures and ninth straight contest with a made three-pointer.
Jayden Pierre facilitated the offense with six assists, tying a season high, while Brock Harding made his presence felt defensively with a career-best five steals. Vianney Salatchoum contributed on the interior with two blocks.
Under head coach Jamie Dixon, TCU wraps up another tournament appearance, though the Frogs were unable to break through against a dominant Duke squad that showcased why it entered the tournament as the nation’s top team.
