David Punch posts a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double, but Kansas pulls away late as TCU falls 78-73 in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals.
The TCU Horned Frogs pushed No. 14 Kansas to the brink Friday night in Kansas City, but a late whistle parade and costly turnovers proved too much to overcome in a 78-73 Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal loss.
For long stretches, TCU basketball looked ready to pull off a statement win over the Jayhawks. Instead, Kansas lived at the free-throw line and capitalized on late mistakes to survive.
Sophomore forward David Punch delivered one of the best performances of his young career, finishing with 24 points and 10 rebounds to record his second straight double-double.
Punch dominated the second half, scoring 18 of his 24 points after the break and keeping the Horned Frogs within striking distance.
With 6:29 remaining, Punch calmly sank two free throws to give TCU a 61-59 lead and momentarily silence the Kansas-heavy crowd inside T-Mobile Center.
That lead didn’t last. Kansas star Darryn Peterson responded immediately, knocking down two free throws of his own to reclaim the lead.
The Jayhawks never trailed again. Peterson finished with 24 points and repeatedly punished TCU at the line, converting 13-of-16 free throw attempts.
Free throws became the defining storyline. Kansas attempted 37 shots from the stripe and converted 30 of them, while TCU only reached the line 18 times.
Foul trouble also disrupted the Horned Frogs’ rhythm. Xavier Edmonds picked up his fourth foul with 10 minutes remaining, while Micah Robinson and Tanner Toolson each finished with four fouls.
As a team, TCU was called for 23 fouls compared to Kansas’ 13.
Still, the Frogs had chances late. Unfortunately, four turnovers in the final 4:20 slammed the door on any comeback hopes.
Liutauras Lelevicius provided a spark off the bench with 14 points and a season-high eight rebounds, while Jayden Pierre added 11 points, continuing his strong stretch with a fourth straight double-digit performance.
Despite the loss, TCU (22-11) now turns its attention to Selection Sunday.
The Horned Frogs are expected to hear their name called for their fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in the last five seasons under head coach Jamie Dixon.