Frogs Leap Past Bobcats in a Thrilling 82-48 Showdown!

FORT WORTH – A record-setting performance at the free throw line and in rebounding propelled TCU to an 82-48 triumph over Montana State Sunday afternoon at Schollmaier Arena.

The Horned Frogs (7-4) converted 26-of-29 (89.7 percent) free throws and dominated the rebounds against the Bobcats (5-8) by a margin of 24, finishing 46-22.

Noah Reynolds spearheaded the outstanding free throw performance, going 13-of-14 and scoring 15 points while providing five assists.

With 6:56 remaining in the first half, TCU led by four, 23-19, before closing the half with a 19-6 scoring surge. They finished the first half leading 42-25.

In the second half, TCU continued to push forward. The Frogs rattled off 16 consecutive points to extend their lead to 64-33 with 11:22 left, maintaining a lead of no less than 25 after that. This marked TCU’s 19^th consecutive home nonconference victory.

Trazarien White achieved double digits for the fifth consecutive game, scoring 13 points with three successful 3-pointers. Also, Vasean Allette recorded 11 points.

Malick Diallo led TCU’s excellent rebounding display this season. The freshman came off the bench to grab a season-high 10 rebounds alongside four points. Another freshman, David Punch, also had a career-best eight rebounds, matching his eight points.

TCU’s next challenge will be the commencement of Big 12 Conference play on Dec. 30 at new member Arizona. The matchup is set to tip off at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN+.

TEAM NOTES

– TCU improved its all-time record against Montana State to 4-1.

– This marked TCU’s 19^th consecutive home nonconference victory.

– Jamie Dixon‘s coaching record is now 495-237.

– Under Dixon, TCU now stands at 69-5 against nonconference teams at Schollmaier Arena.

– TCU outshot Montana State from the floor, achieving 40.7 percent compared to 35.2 percent. The Frogs improved to 6-1 this season, and 139-30 under Dixon when shooting better than their opponents.

– TCU dominated the boards against Montana State, 46 to 22. The Frogs improved to 5-0 this season and 134-43 under Dixon when securing more rebounds than their opponents. The +24 rebound margin was a season best for TCU.

– TCU went 26-of-29 (89.7 percent) at the free throw line, tying for the sixth-most makes under Dixon and the 10^th best percentage when making at least 10 free throws.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

– Noah Reynolds led TCU with 15 points, going 13-of-14 from the free throw line. This was the highest free throw total by a TCU player since Emanuel Miller matched the same mark exactly one year ago on Dec. 22, 2023 against Nevada.

– Noah’s 13 successful free throws matched his career high, previously set against Cleveland State on Jan. 14, 2024.

– Trazarien White recorded double digits for the fifth consecutive game with 13 points.

– White was 3-of-8 from beyond the arc, with all three made in the first half, extending his streak to five games with a made three-pointer.

– Vasean Allette finished with 11 points, his highest total in nine games.

– David Punch had a season-best eight rebounds alongside eight points.

– Malick Diallo achieved a team-high and season-high 10 rebounds.

– Micah Robinson made 1-of-3 attempts from 3-point range, extending his streak to five games with at least one made three-pointer.

– Ernest Udeh Jr. recorded a career-high four steals.

– Cole Despie and Drew McElroy made the most of their limited minutes at the end of the game, each hitting a 3-pointer; it was the first of McElroy’s career and the second for Despie.