TCU powered past Arizona State 90-78 despite 52 fouls, as Micah Robinson scored 20 and Brock Harding added a double-double.
FORT WORTH - If you like rhythm and flow, this wasn’t your kind of night. If you like grit, depth and second-half knockouts? TCU delivered.
The Horned Frogs fought through a parade to the free-throw line Tuesday night, shaking off foul trouble and taking control late to beat Arizona State, 90-78, at Schollmaier Arena. A staggering 52 total fouls were called, with TCU tagged for 23 - putting three starters in survival mode most of the night.
Still, Jamie Dixon’s group found a way. Xavier Edmonds looked ready to post another double-double, pouring in 17 points in just 17 minutes before his fourth foul forced him to the bench with more than 14 minutes left. He was lethal from deep, going 3-of-4 from 3-point range, a career best in makes.
With Edmonds limited, others stepped forward. Micah Robinson flipped the switch after halftime, erupting for 17 of his career-high tying 20 points in the second half. TCU shot just 32.4 percent before the break but led 33-30.
Then came the avalanche. The Frogs shot 53.3 percent in the second half and ripped off a decisive 20-4 run to stretch the lead to 69-50 with just over eight minutes remaining.
TCU committed a season-low seven turnovers and controlled the glass 40-34, continuing a trend under Dixon - the Frogs are now 16-2 this season when they win the rebounding battle.
Brock Harding orchestrated the offense brilliantly, finishing with 10 points and 11 assists for his second double-double of the year.
He also went 8-of-11 from the free-throw line, helping TCU cash in on 28 made free throws overall.
Tanner Toolson chipped in 12 points and now sits just six shy of 1,000 for his career. Liutauras Lelevicius added 10, marking his 11th double-digit outing of the season.
Arizona State was paced by Maurice Odum’s 21 points and 10 assists, but the Sun Devils couldn’t keep up once TCU found its offensive rhythm.
Now 18-10 overall and 13-5 at home, the Frogs head to Kansas State next, riding momentum ... and proving they can win even when the whistles won’t stop blowing.