3 takeaways from No. 11 TCU’s loss to Mississippi State: Shorthanded Frogs overpowered

The shorthanded TCU Horned Frogs battled to drive additional time however misplaced to the Mississippi State Bulldogs 81-74 on Saturday within the Huge 12/SEC Problem.

Listed here are three takeaways from the sport.

Mike Miles injured

TCU guard Mike Miles went down early within the first half with a knee damage, and he didn’t return for the rest of the sport. Miles’ expertise and play type powers the Frog offense, and the group clearly missed the star guard on the ground.

If the Frogs play with out the star level guard for the foreseeable future, they might battle to win aggressive Huge 12 Convention video games. The Frogs’ biggest power is pace, and Miles performed a pivotal function in pushing the tempo, attacking the rim and ending in transition.

As well as, Miles has been one of many Frogs’ most constant shooters from distance, making 20 this season. He has shot 31% from three, which is extra spectacular contemplating the issue degree of the photographs he normally takes.

The Frogs will desperately want Miles again as quickly as potential, however guard Damion Baugh and ahead Emanuel Miller have showcased the power to step up and lead the group, if wanted.

Bulldogs dominate the paint

With Eddie Lampkin Jr. sidelined, the Frogs have been noticeably lacking dimension. They have been additionally lacking his vitality, which may’ve given the Frogs a much-needed spark.

The Bulldogs bested the Frogs on the glass, hauling in 42 rebounds to TCU’s 33. Frog heart Xavier Cork held his personal in 16 minutes of play, however the Frogs didn’t have sufficient top on the courtroom for almost all of the sport.

Mississippi State ahead Tolu Smith dominated the paint, scoring 27 factors on 11-13 taking pictures and grabbing 13 rebounds. He was efficient in a number of sides of the sport, dishing 5 dimes and draining 5 free throws.

TCU additionally misplaced the turnover battle 14-10, which is uncharacteristic of the squad. This affected the Frogs’ effectiveness on the quick break, as they completed with 13 factors, 9 lower than the season common.

Persevering with to combat

The Frogs, with out Lampkin and Miles, carried on and battled with a shorthanded roster. Though the loss is hard, the Horned Frogs weren’t geared up to play their finest basketball. The actual fact they pushed it to additional time is an unimaginable accomplishment, and the group ought to be proud.

They got here collectively and located a solution to make well timed buckets late within the second half, forcing additional time and proving they’ve what it takes to beat obstacles with their backs in opposition to the wall. To be a championship group, resiliency is essential, and the Frogs proved they’ve the psychological fortitude to battle in tough conditions, even within the loss.

This recreation is a troublesome loss, even with star gamers out. Nonetheless, it could function a lesson shifting ahead. The Frogs have the chemistry, athleticism and group protection to be aggressive whatever the challenges they face.

Discover extra TCU protection from The Dallas Morning Information right here.