The Frogs aim to break their winless streak. Can they finally seal the deal at home against Oklahoma State's high-octane offense?
TCU is back in Fort Worth, and that alone feels like a small victory.
After a frustrating road swing out west, the Horned Frogs return home Tuesday night knowing exactly what the problem has been and exactly what the solution needs to look like.
The record says 11-7, but the story of the season is really about moments. TCU has been in position late, staring at chances to flip games and momentum, and hasn’t been able to land the final punch.
Jamie Dixon didn’t sugarcoat it. His team has been right there and simply hasn’t finished. Shots that matter most haven’t fallen.
Free throws that decide games haven’t gone down.
Against Utah, an open look at the buzzer could have forced overtime and didn’t. Against BYU, a tied game with five minutes left never turned into a run. Even earlier at Kansas, a late lead slipped away. When those moments stack up, the margin for error disappears quickly, especially for a team hovering near the NCAA Tournament bubble.
That’s why Oklahoma State’s visit matters so much.
The Cowboys come to town playing a different brand of basketball. They want the game fast, loose, and scoreboard-heavy. Oklahoma State is one of the league’s best offensive teams and has no shortage of players who can get a bucket when needed.
Anthony Roy has been the most consistent of the group, but he’s far from alone. On any given night, multiple Cowboys can hit double figures, which makes defensive focus a nightly challenge.
The tradeoff, though, is on the other end of the floor.
Oklahoma State has struggled defensively, giving up points at a rate that keeps opponents hanging around. That creates an opening for TCU, especially at home, where the Frogs have historically been comfortable and confident in this matchup.
For TCU, the path forward isn’t complicated, but it demands discipline.
They have to take care of the ball, control the physical areas of the game, and treat late-game free throws like layups instead of adventures.
Sophomore forward David Punch has been the steady presence all season, providing reliable scoring and rebounding, and he’ll again be central to keeping the Frogs grounded when things tighten up.
There’s also a mental edge at play.
Oklahoma State hasn’t had much luck in Fort Worth, and TCU has won seven straight at home in the series, including a one-point thriller last season.
In January, momentum doesn’t show up in the standings, but it absolutely shows up in confidence.
If TCU wants to stay in the postseason conversation, Tuesday night can’t be another “almost.” It has to be the night the Frogs finally close.