Keys to Victory against WVU and Iowa St.
Here we are at the end of the season with just a few games remaining for TCU basketball. TCU is not expected to make the NCAA tournament barring something crazy happen in these last two against West Virginia and Iowa State. In their previous game against Kansas State, TCU allowed three wildcats to score double digits and allowing 13 offensive rebounds en route to letting Kansas State snap their 13-game losing streak. The Horned Frogs lacked any offensive explosion and only shot 31.9% from the field. R.J. Nembhard had his worst game in over a month, and without him scoring in bunches like he usually does, the Horned Frogs lost their offensive identity.
TCU vs. West Virginia
Up next for TCU is a tough matchup against West Virginia, who is currently ranked number 10 in the nation. Luckily for TCU, this will be a home game, and the Horned Frogs have beaten West Virginia four straight times at home. The Mountaineers have been deadly on the road though winning their last five road trips. This game will come down to two critical matchups with Kevin Samuel against Derek Culver and R.J. Nembhard on “Deuce” McBride.
TCU vs. Iowa State
After the WV matchup, they get to play Iowa State, aka the doormat of the Big 12. In their previous matchup, TCU won 79-76, which was a lot closer than anybody thought that game would be. R.J. Nembhard had 20 points in TCU’s comeback win, and Kevin Samuel had a great game with 10 points and 11 rebounds. I would expect both guys to repeat those performances on Saturday.
Both games are unique and exciting in their own ways. West Virginia is a better team than TCU, but the Horned Frogs do have history on their side. We will see if the precedent continues or if WVU can snap their losing streak at TCU. The second game against Iowa State does still matter, even though Iowa State has been terrible all season. The Cyclones are currently 0-13 in conference play, and I know TCU doesn’t want to be the first win. For my predictions, I’ll say WVU gets the win over TCU 79-75, and I think TCU wins over Iowa State 65-62.
Story by: Ryan Scott, Campus Live Intern
