GREENVILLE, S.C. — TCU possessed ample self-assurance for Thursday’s NCAA tournament’s initial contest facing Ohio State. Forward David Punch foreshadowed the confrontation, asserting his conviction that the Horned Frogs would triumph over the Buckeyes “nine out of 10 times.”
According to forward Xavier Edmonds, this statement placed a certain onus on the Horned Frogs to substantiate Punch’s prognostication.
“His remarks were merely somewhat misinterpreted and a little distorted,” Edmonds commented. “Nevertheless, we perceived it, and we felt compelled to affirm it.”
Considering Ohio State’s spirited rally from a 15-point disadvantage at the intermission, it remains uncertain what the outcome would be if these two teams competed an additional nine encounters. However, on Thursday, Punch and Edmonds performed as promised. Punch executed a skillful assist to Edmonds within the key with mere four seconds remaining for a decisive two-point shot, facilitating TCU’s progression to the subsequent stage of the NCAA tournament with a 66-64 triumph.
TCU was superior in three-point shooting during the initial period, but a dreadful offensive display following halftime enabled the Buckeyes to regain ground in the contest, seizing a 51-50 advantage with slightly more than seven minutes remaining.
With Edmonds burdened by fouls, Punch, however, carried the Frogs during the closing moments, concluding the match with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and two assists, including the decisive pass to Edmonds.
Ohio State had a solitary last attempt for victory, yet Bruce Thornton was unable to locate an unhindered teammate close to the hoop and resorted to a long-range throw from mid-court that missed the mark.
The triumph guaranteed Punch’s claim was validated, yet TCU had not concluded conveying a statement to Ohio State.
“We merely perceived that, as a Big Ten squad, they had not experienced or witnessed a defensive strategy comparable to ours,” stated Edmonds, who concluded with 16 points and eight rebounds. “Given our presence in the Big 12, and the distinct degree of physical play and vigor, we simply desired to demonstrate to them what Big 12 basketball entails.”