Can the Jayhawks beat red-hot TCU in Thursday’s Big 12 tournament quarterfinals?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- TCU enters quarterfinals on a nine-of-10 run and forces many turnovers.
- KU must limit TCU 3s and protect the ball to control possessions.
- Darryn Peterson’s scoring and health will shape Kansas’ postseason fate.
The Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team opens postseason play on Thursday in Kansas City against TCU.
The Jayhawks will face the Horned Frogs in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament at T-Mobile Center.
No. 14 KU (22-9) had a double-bye for the tournament, while TCU beat Oklahoma State on Wednesday night. KU beat TCU in an overtime thriller at Allen Fieldhouse in January.
Here is more about Thursday’s game, including a scouting report and prediction:
Kansas basketball vs. TCU: Game details
When: 8:30 p.m. Central on Thursday
Where: T-Mobile Center
TV/streaming: ESPN2
Opponent’s record: 22-10
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) ranking: 42
Betting line: KU by 5.5
All statistics are from KenPom.com and EvanMiya. KenPom stats include only Division-I competition.
TCU Strengths
- Plenty of experience: TCU ranks No. 101 in Division-I experience (1.78 years).
- Turnover forcers: The Horned Frogs rank No. 28 opponent turnover percentage (19.9).
- Elite defense: TCU ranks No. 22 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency (98.2), which measures the number of points allowed per 100 possessions, adjusted for opponent.
TCU Weaknesses
- Shooting issues: TCU ranks No. 228 in 3-point percentage (33%)
- No trust in the bench: The Horned Frogs rank No. 285 in bench minutes percentage (27.7%).
- Free-throw issues: TCU ranks No. 250 in free-throw percentage (70.6%).
TCU Name to Know
6-foot-7 sophomore forward David Punch (No. 15)
+ Good scorer (13.6 points per game)
+ Great rebounder (6.6 per game)
+ Pest on defense (1.4 steals per game)
- Not much of a passer (2.1 assists per game)
- Turnover prone (1.6 per game)
+ Bad shooter (20.5% on 3-pointers)
Kansas-TCU game prediction
A lot has changed since these two sides played an overtime game at Allen Fieldhouse in January.
As KU coach Bill Self noted, TCU is one of the hottest teams in the country. The Horned Frogs have won six games in a row and nine of their last 10. Meanwhile, KU comes off a blowout win against lowly K-State.
The key to Thursday’s game, for the Jayhawks, will be to not let TCU get hot from beyond the arc. The last time these sides met, KU allowed TCU to make 15 three-pointers. That’s why the Horned Frogs were in the game.
On the offensive end, KU needs to take care the ball. The Horned Frogs’ offense relies on turnovers and second-chance opportunities to get more shot attempts.
Finally, KU needs to make its 3-pointers. TCU isn’t the best at defending the long ball; look for Darryn Peterson to try to start off hot.
Prediction: Kansas 75, TCU 67
Shreyas’ pick to cover the spread: Kansas (-5.5)
Shreyas’ season record: 24-7
Shreyas’ record against the spread: 20-10
Player to Watch: Darryn Peterson
It was never going to be anyone but KU freshman star Darryn Peterson.
It’s been a difficult year health-wise, but he had one of his best games of the season against K-State last weekend. If he can carry KU deep into the postseason, no one will remember the times he didn’t play during the regular season.
All eyes are on Peterson as the Jayhawks open postseason play.
