TCU routed in sixth consecutive loss to No. 8 Iowa State

Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Feb 8, 2025

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TCU's recent struggles against Iowa State continued Saturday as the No. 8 Cyclones routed the Horned Frogs, 82-52, snapping a three-game losing streak.

It’s the sixth straight loss to Iowa State (18-5, 8-4 Big 12) for TCU going back to 2022. While most of the games in the past were close, this one got away from the Horned Frogs (12-11, 5-7) quickly in the first half.

Trazarien White kept the Horned Frogs in the game early with eight points as he started the game 3 for 3. His third shot cut Iowa State’s lead to 20-15 with 7:45 remaining before halftime.

TCU was lucky to be that close as the offense once again struggled to create quality looks in the half court. Iowa State didn’t have the same problem as the Cyclones began to settle in.

TCU allowed Iowa State to go on a 12-3 run as Cyclones guard Curtis Jones began to get hot from the 3-point line. Jones hit three 3s in a row as Iowa State surged to a 32-18 lead.

The Horned Frogs made just one field goal in the final four minutes as the Cyclones extended their lead to 42-24 at halftime. TCU’s offense, which ranks near the bottom in almost every major category in the Big 12, struggled again as the Horned Frogs shot just 32% from the floor in the first half.

The lack of consistent point guard play also proved problematic against Iowa State’s defense as TCU had just four assists and nine turnovers in the opening half. It was in stark contrast to Iowa State’s approach on offense.

The Cyclones leaned heavily on Jones and forward Joshua Jefferson and the two combined for 26 points on 10-of-12 shooting. The second half didn’t go much better for TCU as the Horned Frogs trailed by at least 20 most of the final 20 minutes. White and Vasean Allette led TCU with nine points each while Jones had a game-high 24 points.

It’s another disappointing defeat as TCU missed an opportunity to take a down a top-15 team that entered the game struggling. It also would’ve been the signature win the Horned Frogs needed ahead of March.

With just eight games remaining in the regular season, even a perfect finish likely wouldn’t be enough to get TCU on the right side of the bubble. The Horned Frogs will likely need to win the Big 12 conference tournament or at least make it to the final if there’s any hope of making a fourth straight NCAA Tournament.

TCU will host Oklahoma State at 6 p.m. Wednesday.