TCU and Texas State will square off for the first time in 15 years on Tuesday in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Horned Frogs and Bobcats had a triple-overtime thriller in their last meeting on Nov. 24, 2009, with TCU prevailing 108-99.
TCU (2-0) has improved its program significantly since then, as it has made it to the NCAA Tournament in each of the previous three seasons under Jamie Dixon. TCU is hoping to make a fourth straight with wins over Florida A&M and Florida Gulf Coast already under its belt.
The Horned Frogs have become consistent winners early in seasons, too, posting a 53-6 record in the month of November since the 2014-15 campaign. TCU’s offense shined in its season-opening victory over Florida A&M (105-59), while the defense received much of the credit in its 67-51 victory over Florida Gulf Coast.
“We found a way to get it done defensively, rebounding-wise, got all of our defensive goals, our standards, so that’s a good sign,” Dixon said after the victory over Florida Gulf Coast. “Offensively, just not very good early and it wasn’t like missing shots. It’s just (that) our decision-making wasn’t great.”
Sophomore guard Vasean Allette has come off the bench to lead the Horned Frogs in scoring in each of the first two games, averaging 17.0 points per contest.
For Texas State (2-0), this will be its first road game of the season. The Bobcats went 5-11 on the road last year.
Sophomore guard Kaden Gumbs has led the team in scoring the first two games, scoring 15 points against Eastern Michigan and 27 points against McMurry. Guard Drue Drinnon is another player to watch and is an outside threat, knocking down five 3-pointers in the last game against McMurry.
As a team, Texas State improved its field-goal percentage from 41.7 against Eastern Michigan to 56.7 vs. McMurry.
Asked about the improvement on offense, Bobcats coach Terrence Johnson said, “It’s a good pass, which is usually going to be a good shot. We continue to play the game the way it’s supposed to be played — inside out, dribble penetration, throw the ball out to open shooters, and you’re supposed to make those shots.”
