TCU pulled the massive upset over the Coogs in UH’s second Big 12 road game. The Coogs had a one-point lead with around 10 seconds to go, and TCU’s “head of the snake,” Emanuel Miller, scored on a back-door cut to seal the win. The bad news was the Coogs were 0-2 on the road in the conference after the loss. The good news is the Coogs finished conference play 15-3 and won the Big 12 Conference in their inaugural season.

Now, UH has revenge on its mind. TCU is the only team in the Big 12 they have not beaten this year. Coach Sampson and the staff have their guys ready to go in Kansas City (I don’t think this one will take much motivation).

Head of the Snake

Emanuel Miller remains the “Head of the Snake” for TCU. He was named All-Big 12 second team and is a three-level scorer and a solid defender. He’s at his best when scoring in the mid-range and in the paint but is more than capable of making the three-point basket.

TCU Offense

The Horned Frogs have a few guys capable of making the three, but they prefer to get to the rim and draw fouls as a team. UH will have to defend the paint incredibly well without fouling. They are the best team in the nation in transition offense and playing fast. UH loves to tip the ball out for offensive rebound opportunities. It will be crucial to secure those offensive rebounds, or TCU will be off to the races.

• They are 39th nationally in scoring offense at 80.4ppg (Houston is #1 in scoring defense at 56.9ppg). Something will have to give!
• TCU loves to run in transition. They lead the nation with 18.87 fast-break points per game.
• In transition, Micah Peavy leaks out for fast-break dunk opportunities. Emanuel Miller, Avery Anderson, and Jameer Nelson Jr. love to attack the rim. Trevian Tennyson loves to shoot the three in transition. Their bigs will rim-run in transition.
• They are trying to get to the rim! 43.4% of their shots are at the rim. They shoot 47.36% from the field.
• They do a great job of moving the ball (#19 in NCAA in assists/game).
• They have great depth. Their bench averages 27.58ppg (27th best in the NCAA).
• Not a great three-point shooting team (exceptions are Tennyson and Miller)

TCU Defense

The Horned Frogs are active defenders. They like to take risks to get steals to create transition opportunities. The Coogs need to look to attack the paint and get high-percentage shot opportunities. TCU primarily plays half-court, man-to-man defense but will sprinkle in some pressing and zone defenses.

• Ranked 17th nationally in steals per game (9spg). They feast on live-ball turnovers.
• Struggle defending the drive; UH must attack the paint! (TCU allowed 40 points in the paint vs Houston in Ft. Worth)’
• Primarily play half-court man-to-man. They like to “blitz” (double team) the guards on the pick and roll (very similar to Houston);
• May try some 1-2-2 full-court zone presses (Especially after made FTs);
• May try some full-court man-to-man;
• May try some half-court 1-3-1 or 2-3 zone;

<h3Related Podcast:

Old Men podcast: Outright Big 12 champs & previewing B12 Tournament