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Frogs fall to fifth in WAC after second straight loss By Matt Stiver During Saturday’s men’s basketball game against Rice, one team smothered the other with a zone defense. One team hit 50 percent of its shots, including key three pointers down the stretch. One team had the other totally frustrated. To the surprise of the Horned Frogs and the 5,117 in attendance at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum, that team was Rice. The Owls won their first game in Fort Worth since Feb. 19, 1995, head coach Billy Tubbs’ first season at TCU. The Rice victory also ended a streak of eight-straight road losses. “We were outplayed, outhustled, outscrapped and probably out-coached,” said Tubbs, who did not allow players to address the media following the loss. “There are no excuses. We didn’t deserve to win.”
With the loss, the Frogs fall to 13-6 and 3-3, tying them for fifth in the Western Athletic Conference. Returning home following a 82-66 loss at Tulsa Wednesday and a 1-point victory at Nevada Jan. 13, the Frogs played perhaps their worst game of the season. They shot only 35 percent from the field (20 of 58), shot only 29 percent from behind the arc (7 of 26) and were out rebounded 44-33. “When we’re not shooting well, we can’t get into the things we like to do,” Tubbs said. “We’re not a confident team right now. When you’re confident and excited, you play better.” Rice consistently beat the Frogs to long rebounds and loose balls. Rice’s 5-foot-11-inch guard Mike Wilks had seven rebounds, more than any TCU player. Senior center Derrick Davenport, who scored 10 points on 2 of 7 shooting and hauled in six rebounds, recorded three blocks, which moves him within 16 of Kurt Thomas’ school record of 166.After falling behind by 18 with 12:17 to play, the Frogs increased their defensive pressure and began whittling away at the lead. Senior guard Greedy Daniels, who finished with 13 points and five steals, sparked a TCU comeback. With 3:50 to play, Daniels hit a layup to cut Rice’s lead to 68-58. As Wilks crossed midcourt, Daniels reached around him and stole the ball. As he streaked to the basket, Daniels faked out Rice guard Michael Walton in mid-air to bring the Frogs within eight. Daniels grabbed a rebound on Rice’s next possession and raced down the floor. When his forced layup amid three Rice defenders bounced out of bounds, it seemed to take TCU’s spirits with it. Sophomore guard Bingo Merriex brought the Frogs within seven with 1:28 to play, but a dunk by Rice center T.J. McKenzie and a turnover by senior guard Ryan Carroll sealed the game. TCU’s increased trapping pressure left the Owls with open shots, which the Owls knocked down. McKenzie, who played the final 9:55 with four fouls, had season highs in points (19) and rebounds (13). “I felt like I was finishing shots, and that gave my teammates confidence in me,” McKenzie said. Tubbs said the Frogs have had trouble containing inside players all season. “This is sort of a reoccurring theme with us,” Tubbs said. “Another young man had another season high against us.” The Frogs will attempt to find their game 7:05 Wednesday against Grambling State. Matt Stiver . |
