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Game Time/TV: 6:00 p.m. central/FOX Sports Southwest
My apologies for missing the game preview for Prairie View A&M this past Sunday, I had other obligations to attend to.
BUT, we’re back this week as the Frogs try to climb to 4-1 as they face off against the 2-2 Navy Midshipmen.
Navy has had an up and down start to the season so far, with blowout wins against Marymount and Binghamton, but suffering losses to Siena and UAB.
UAB is by far the best team Navy has faced this season, and the Midshipmen had their worst performance. Navy shot just 35.1% from the floor, and was outrebounded 41-21.
Let’s get right into three keys for TCU in this game:
1. Slow down Tilman Dunbar: The freshman point guard is leading Navy in both points per game (12.3) and assists per game (6.8). He gets his teammates involved and has the ability to get to the rim on his own too, as evidenced by his team-leading free throw attempts (18).
2. Win the rebounding battle: TCU has a penchant for giving up offensive rebounds, and against a bad shooting team like Navy (39.6% team FG% this season), there will be plenty of rebound opportunities. Devonta Abron and Adrick McKinney need to do work down low to prevent second chance opportunities.
I’m going to continue to harp on rebounding until things improve.
Here’s a not so fun stat: TCU has out-rebounded an opponent ONCE in its first four games, and that was against Centenary (37-20), a team that didn’t have anyone taller than 6’6".
3. Be smart with the basketball: The Frogs are averaging 13.5 turnovers/game, and need to start making better decisions with the basketball. Kyan Anderson has the ability to make the eye-popping pass, but his 8:5 assist to turnover ratio needs to improve.
Prediction: Frogs take this one, and improve to 4-1 on the season. Abron has another strong game, but the Frogs ride some strong scoring from Garlon Green to pull away at the end.