TCU basketball, in remodeled home, trying to sharpen game as Big 12 schedule approaches

TCU has two games to get a feel for its refurbished gym, Schollmaier Arena, starting Sunday against Abilene Christian, before Big 12 play arrives.

That is not much time.

But the game is expected to at least provide a momentum boost for the Horned Frogs, who have started 5-4 in part because of a struggle with turnovers, as the conference season approaches.

After the matchup against ACU, the Horned Frogs visit Peoria, Ill., for a game against Bradley on Wednesday. Then it’s another home game on Dec. 28 against Delaware State.

After that, the Big 12 schedule begins with a game at Oklahoma State on Jan. 2.

So that is about two weeks for the Frogs to nail down some problems, notably taking care of the ball. In conference statistics released Friday, the Frogs’ 16.4 turnovers a game is the worst rate among Big 12 teams, and their assist-to-turnover ratio is 0.82 — making them the only team in the league below 1.03.

“We’re trying to get ourselves back to where we’re playing good basketball,” coach Trent Johnson said.

TCU, however, forces its share of turnovers. The Frogs are forcing 16.1 a game, third best in the league, and rank second best in blocks with 50.

Forward Vladimir Brodziansky ranks fourth in the conference in blocks with 15, center Karviar Shepherd is tied for sixth with 13, and forward JD Miller is 10th with 10.

This story was originally published December 19, 2015 at 4:54 PM with the headline "TCU basketball, in remodeled home, trying to sharpen game as Big 12 schedule approaches."