FORT WORTH – The TCU Horned Frogs delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, triumphing over the Montana State Bobcats 82-48 at Schollmaier Arena. With this decisive win, TCU advances to 7-4 for the season and extends their non-conference home winning streak to 19 games.
The Horned Frogs showcased remarkable precision at the free-throw line, converting 26 of their 29 attempts for an impressive 89.7 percent success rate. This effort tied for the sixth-most free throws made under head coach Jamie Dixon and marked one of their best performances this season. Leading the charge at the foul line was Noah Reynolds, who recorded 15 points, with 13 of those coming from the charity stripe, illustrating TCU's ability to capitalize on their opportunities.
Montana State, grappling with their own challenges this season, fell to 5-8 after this defeat. Their shooting woes were evident as they managed only 35.2 percent from the field and 19.2 percent from three-point range, hitting just five of twenty-six attempts. Max Agbonkpolo was the standout for the Bobcats, leading all scorers with 18 points, but he was the only player to breach double figures.
The game's momentum shifted midway through the first half when TCU, up by just four points at 23-19, ignited a 24-4 run, amassing a significant lead by halftime, 42-25. This surge highlighted TCU's transition game, where they scored 15 fast-break points throughout the matchup, reinforcing their identity as one of the Big 12’s most dynamic teams.
Leading the TCU bench was Malick Diallo, who delivered powerful contributions with 10 rebounds and added four points to the score. The Horned Frogs out-rebounded the Bobcats 46-22, with 14 offensive boards, signalling their physical dominance on the court. This rebounding effort was TCU's best of the season, marking just how effectively they controlled the game's tempo.
Trazarien White and Vasean Allette were also pivotal, both scoring 13 points. White hit three three-pointers, reaffirming his recent scoring trend, as he recorded double figures for the fifth consecutive game. Allette's contributions also included pivotal moments, as he showcased his scoring ability when it mattered most.
Despite struggling early on, Montana State momentarily grabbed a lead at 15-12, showcasing glimpses of promise before TCU’s defensive pressure overwhelmed them. TCU, ranked among the top-25 defenses nationally, ensured every pass and shot from the Bobcats came under intense scrutiny, capitalizing on their turnovers—Montana State committed 14 turnovers overall. "We knew what we were signing up for," said Montana State's coach Danny Logie, reflecting on their rigorous non-conference schedule which also featured teams like USC and Wichita State. Logie expressed optimism about his team's maturity and ability to learn through tough contests.
Looking forward, both teams turn their attention toward conference play. TCU's next matchup is against Arizona on December 30, marking their first game as they enter the Big 12 season, and promising to be another test against tough competition. Meanwhile, Montana State will open their Big Sky play against Idaho on January 2, hopeful for a fresh start and eager to consolidate their experience from the non-conference challenges.
The significance of today's game for TCU cannot be overstated, as they not only demonstrated their strengths heading toward the heart of the season but also highlighted the depth and resilience of their roster. Jamie Dixon’s squad is poised for another competitive season, as they prepare for rigorous Big 12 matchups.
