West Virginia’s Mountaineers are set to face the TCU Horned Frogs this evening in a crucial Big 12 matchup at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. The game is scheduled to tip off at 5:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network and Peacock.
After a disappointing 61–56 loss to Utah earlier this week, West Virginia enters the game with a 7–6 conference record and a 16–10 overall mark, now finding themselves outside the NCAA tournament projections. The Mountaineers struggled in their last outing, plagued by a lack of offensive rebounds and missed free throws, which ultimately cost them the game.
TCU, also with a 16–10 record and a 6–7 mark in the Big 12, is coming off a loss to UCF. The Horned Frogs are similarly battling for a spot in the NCAA tournament and are expected to challenge West Virginia’s defense with a strong inside game. TCU leads the conference in free throw attempts and is known for aggressively attacking the paint, with players like David Punch and Xavier Edmonds contributing significantly to their scoring and rebounding.
Defensively, TCU is aggressive, often employing traps and crowding the post to disrupt their opponents’ rhythm. West Virginia will need to ensure their ball security and avoid sluggish starts, as falling behind on the road against a tough opponent could prove detrimental.
The Mountaineers have had their share of ups and downs this season, and there’s a strong desire within the team to rebound from their recent loss. Following a recent trend in their games, a strong defensive effort coupled with effective rebounding could be key to their success against TCU. Historically, West Virginia has performed well against the Horned Frogs, holding a 19–8 advantage in their all-time series, although they have struggled in recent visits to Fort Worth.
Both teams are feeling the urgency of the moment as they aspire to secure a spot in the postseason. As the game unfolds, West Virginia will look to channel their frustration from the last defeat into a focused and determined performance, potentially tipping the scales in their favor as they aim for a tight victory.