The TCU Horned Frogs come into Sunday with 22 wins on the year following a narrow 2 point victory over Arizona State in their first round matchup Friday night. Defensively TCU did just enough allowing only 70 points including just 26 in the second-half as Arizona State shot 48.1% from the floor but the Horned Frogs forced 13 turnovers and won the rebounding battle as well. Offensively TCU had issues making just 35.5% of their shots but knocked down eight long balls and 20 free throws to score 72 points to seal the narrow 2 point victory.
Mike Miles Jr. carried the TCU offense pouring in a team high 26 points on 15 shots in the game. Chuck O’Bannon Jr. chipped in a second best 15 points on 13 shots and Damion Baugh scored eleven points to go along with a team high 8 assists as well. JaKobe Coles proved to be the hero for TCU leading the way off the bench with 11 points on five of 10 shooting including the game deciding basket in the final seconds of the game.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs roll into Sunday with 29 wins on the year riding a 10 game win streak following a 12 point victory over Grand Canyon on Friday. Defensively Gonzaga controlled the game allowing just 70 points on 43.1% shooting and the zags forced 7 turnovers and reeled in 14 more rebounds to secure the double digit victory. Offensively Gonzaga continued their tear with 82 points on 53.6% shooting and a blistering 46.7% from beyond the arc.
Julian Strawther led the way for the Bulldogs in round one with 28 points and 10 rebounds on 9 of 15 shooting in 34 minutes of action. Big man Drew Timme chipped in 21 points on 13 shots and Anton Watson added 14 points and eleven boards on six of nine shooting as the third Gonzaga starter in double figures. The other two Gonzaga starters scored six points apiece.
