Austin, TX – On the back of Desmond Bane’s career night, the TCU Horned Frogs were able to end their three game losing streak, defeating the Texas Longhorns by a score of 69-50. Bane’s career-high 34 points is the most scored of any TCU player this season and the first time he has broken the 30 point threshold in his three years as a Horned Frog.
After a back and forth opening 12 minutes of action, the Horned Frogs were able to close out the half on a 19-5 scoring run shooting a blistering 71.4 percent from behind-the-arch, and out rebounding the Longhorns 20-10. The Longhorns struggled offensively down the stretch making just of 1-of-8 shots to close the half. Texas was able to capitalize on nine TCU turnovers in the period to keep the score within reach. In the second half, the Horned Frogs would continue their offensive onslaught shooing 54.2 percent from the field. The Longhorns didn’t help themselves shooting just 1-for-8 from behind the arch in the half.
After three straight games of quality offensive play, the past two games for the Longhorns’ offense have been the antithesis. Texas has now shot 33.6 percent from the field and 8-for-32 from three point range in the past two games. In addition, TCU was able to take advantage of their size and length out rebounding Texas 35-24 on the day. The Longhorns are now 3-10 this season when losing the rebound battle.
The star of Saturday’s game, Bane was unstoppable on the offensive end for long stretches throughout the contest. Bane showcased his ability to efficiently convert a variety of shot attempts from all over the floor. From catch-and-shoot opportunities in the corners to pulling up from 20 feet off the dribble, Bane was sensational against whomever the Longhorns threw at him. Even more impressive were his offensive instincts without the ball. Bane’s ability to find space in the defense not only got him easy offensive opportunities, but also led to multiple offensive rebounds. Bane has a tendency to over help defensively which does leave him scrambling back to his assignment. Bane is solid bodied two guard who play with a strength and aggressiveness both defensively and attacking the rim.
Lost in the shuffle of a Horned Frogs victory and the performance of Bane, Jaxson Hayes scored a career-high 19 points on the night and grabbed seven rebounds. The Texas big man is one of the best in the country at diving to the rim and converting lob dunks. The freshman has expanded his offense game marginally this season with the addition of a shot over either shoulder, but still lacks the touch and technique in those situations to convert efficiently. Hayes is an elite athlete that often makes one feel that he can literally jump out of the building. He needs reps to improve his defensive timing / decision making skills on that end of the floor but has the rare athleticism to cover up much of those freshman mistakes.
Both Texas (16-14) and TCU (19-12) will head off to Kansas City to compete in the Big 12 Tournament on March 13-16.
This article was written by Justin Ullestad, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
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