Stingy Longhorns could make things tough for TCU

By Stefan Stevenson

sstevenson@star-telegram.com

The last thing TCU needs to see is an in-your-face defense. But that's what the Horned Frogs will get at 7 tonight at Texas.

The Longhorns (9-11, 1-6) are fourth nationally in field-goal percentage defense, holding teams to 36 percent shooting. The Horns are second in the nation in 3-point field-goal percentage defense at 25.8. Texas blocks more than five shots a game, second only to Kansas in the Big 12.

Meanwhile, the TCU offense is near the bottom of both categories and is averaging a league-low 54.7 points a game. It's not that TCU is necessarily the worst-shooting team in the league, because, statistically it isn't, but the Frogs are shooting less than any other team in the league -- and by a large margin.

So what does TCU need to do tonight against Texas?

"We need to make some baskets," TCU coach Trent Johnson said completely serious, but with a laugh. "We're getting the ball to the right places, but [we] have to find some guys to make shots."

That includes at the free-throw line, where TCU is last in the league. The Frogs have shot the sixth-most free throws in the Big 12 (384) but have made a league low (229) and are shooting less than 60 percent.

With all of TCU's shortcomings this season -- injuries, lack of depth, lack of size -- the Frogs can't afford to miss many free throws. A few better nights shooting from the line would have altered the late stages of several games that could have helped TCU steal a victory.

The Longhorns are coming off an 83-57 loss at Kansas State in which they trailed big nearly the whole game. That loss followed the Horns' first Big 12 victory of the season against Texas Tech on Saturday in Austin. Texas has struggled with 12 combined freshmen and sophomores on its roster (with just two seniors). The inexperience has led to a Big 12-worst 15.9 turnovers a game, which, if it continues tonight, could help TCU stay in the game later than usual. One of those sophomores, starting point guard Myck Kabongo, hasn't played this season because of an NCAA suspension. He's eligible to return Feb. 13.

"It's a young team but a talented team," Johnson said. "Rick Barnes is probably one of the more underappreciated coaches in the country. I think he's as good as it gets. I really do."

TCU last played Texas on Jan. 2, 2008, in Austin. The Longhorns won 67-59, their 10th consecutive home victory against the Frogs. TCU is 19-59 against Texas in Austin.

Stefan Stevenson

817-390-7760

Twitter: @FollowtheFrogs

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