The Big 12 has been a completely new experience for BYU fans. It has been full of new venues, unfamiliar opponents, and an unprecedented amount of high level competition. However, for the first time this season the BYU Cougar Basketball team will welcome a familiar conference foe in TCU. As former Mountain West Conference Foes the Horned Frogs and the Cougars have squared off 22 times. The rivalry as it stands today has been incredibly one sided with BYU holding a 19-3 record against TCU. This years Horned Frogs team has proven themselves as more than capable of competing against the top brass of the Big 12 as they enter Saturday's showdown with a 19-9 record and an 8-7 showing in conference play. Here is an in depth analysis of the dangerous TCU squad coming into the Marriott Center this upcoming weekend.
Offensive Excellence
When it comes to offensive success in the Big 12 TCU is top tier. Going into Saturday's game the Horned Frogs are 3rd in points per game at 80.3. This includes a team field goal percentage of 47.5%. TCU much like Kansas does not take a large volume of 3 pointers and are only averaging 18.3 attempts per contest. They have been proficient in getting to the free throw line averaging 21.5 attempts per game which is 5.9 more than BYU. These impressive numbers have helped The Horned Frogs to a point differential of +9.7.
Defensively TCU has been unable to replicate this same success. The Horned Frogs have allowed teams to average 70.5 points per game which is ranked 11th in the Big 12. Teams are shooting 43.8 % from the field against TCU. They also are ranked 9th in defensive rebounding with an average of 24.9 per game. Where the Horned Frogs have found success on defense is their ability to create turnovers as they rank third in the Big 12 averaging 15.1 forced turnovers per game.
Loads of experience
TCU's greatest strength has been their depth and roster experience. 7 of the Horned Frogs 8 leading scorers are seniors and all of them are upper classman. Senior forward Emanuel Miller has been incredible this season leading the team in scoring at 15.9 points per game and rebounding at 5.8. He has accomplished this while shooting 48.8% from the field and 40.6% from beyond the arch. Senior guards Micah Peavy and Jameer Nelson Jr. are also averaging double figures in points at 11.2 and 10.9 per game respectively.
TCU has 9 players who average 16 minutes or more and have had 7 players who have led the team in scoring for at least one game. This depth has helped the Horned Frogs to a likely tournament birth and 4 wins over ranked opponents this season.
Conclusion
BYU fans should be so grateful for the incredible basketball that has been played in the Marriott Center in 2024. TCU brings to the venue an incredibly talented and experienced squad that is capable of beating any team in the nation on any given night. The Horned Frogs are one of 3 teams to beat Houston this season and feel confident they can outlast a talented BYU squad coming off of an emotional high. The Marriott Center has already been announced as a sellout crowd. Cougar fans should arrive with motivations to give their team whatever edge possible. It will be essential for a must needed victory.