An early 14-0 deficit proved insurmountable as TCU battled back but couldn't overcome Utah's late composure in an 82-79 road defeat.
Sometimes a game is decided before you even break a sweat - and for TCU Horned Frogs, Saturday night in Salt Lake City came dangerously close to fitting that description.
TCU spotted Utah Runnin’ Utes a 14-0 start, went six full minutes without a made basket, and spent the rest of the night trying to dig out of a hole that never quite filled in.
The result was an 82-79 loss that felt both frustrating and instructive.
To their credit, the Horned Frogs didn’t fold.
After trailing by double digits early, TCU stabilized, defended better, and chipped away until the game finally looked like a Big 12 battle instead of a track meet.
By halftime, the deficit was manageable. Early in the second half, a quick burst tied the game and briefly flipped momentum.
But “briefly” was the key word.
Utah never relinquished control, answering every TCU push with just enough shot-making and composure to keep the Frogs at arm’s length.
Each time it felt like TCU might finally surge ahead, a tough bucket or pair of free throws slammed the door back shut.
David Punch did everything he could to force that door open. The sophomore guard was efficient and aggressive, scoring 22 points on strong shot selection and refusing to let the offense stall.
Micah Robinson added steady contributions across the box score, finishing with 10 points, five assists, and four rebounds while trying to keep TCU organized.
Still, the early drought loomed large.
Falling behind by 14 before settling in leaves little margin for error, especially on the road against a team desperate for its first conference win.
Utah shot confidently all night and made enough plays late at the line to survive TCU’s final push.
The silver lining for the Frogs is obvious: they competed, they adjusted, and they were one possession away despite a nightmare opening stretch. The lesson is just as clear - Big 12 games don’t allow warm-up periods.
TCU returns home Tuesday to host Oklahoma State, a chance to reset and turn frustration into fuel. The formula isn’t broken. It just needs to show up on time.