Frogs Can't Complete Miracle Comeback in 76-67 Loss

South Dakota State was rolling toward a blowout win over TCU in Fort Worth until Malique Trent took charge. The sophomore transfer from New Mexico Junior College scored 15 second-half points and played a big part in a TCU comeback that saw a 22-point deficit cut to just three late in the second half. Trent finished the day with 18 points, but it wasn't enough as South Dakota State held on for a 76-67 win in Fort Worth.

TCU jumped out to a 5-0 lead and controlled the game for the first six minutes before South Dakota State came storming ahead. A pair of 2:00 mini-scoring droughts allowed SDSU to open a double-digit lead midway through the first half. The Jackrabbits would extend their first half advantage to 43-30 during a brutal stretch for TCU. Over the final 4:28 of the first half, the Frogs shot just 1/6 while committing four turnovers.

TCU's struggles would carry over into the second half. In the first 4:50 of the frame, the Frogs would miss five shots and commit four turnovers, allowing SDSU to open a 55-33 lead. The Jackrabbits' 22-point advantage would be their largest lead of the game as Malique Trent and Brandon Parrish sparked a 17-1 run over the span of 9:04 that cut the deficit to 56-50.  Another mini 12-5 run would put TCU within one possession at 65-62 with under three minutes left in the game. Unfortunately for the Frogs, that would be as close as they could get.

Clutch shooting failed TCU as the Frogs shot just 2/8 in the final 2:39 of the game, allowing South Dakota State to ice it with late free throws. Despite his 18 points, Trent had a rough day from the floor. He finished the game just 6/23 from the field, including 3/15 from behind the arc. He also picked up four steals, three assists, and two blocks.

As a team, TCU struggled just as much. Collectively, the Frogs shot 22/66, just 33.3% from the field. Behind the arc, TCU was 7/27 (25.9%) as a team. Free throws weren't much better as the Frogs shot 16/24 from the line (66.7%). TCU was out-rebounded 43-42 but the most glaring stat was 19 total turnovers, including three in the last four minutes that all but sealed the game.

Individually, Brandon Parrish had his best game of the season to date, scoring 17 points on 5/10 shooting, including a trio of three-pointers. He also pulled down seven rebounds. Vladimir Brodziansky looked impressive for the third straight game, scoring 11 points and grabbing six rebounds. Devonta Abron provided a spark off the bench, scoring eight points and pulling down 12 rebounds.

Chauncey Collins and Karviar Shepherd were quiet, combining to score just 11 points and grab seven rebounds. Michael Williams was the only other Frog to score, as he finished with two points off the bench.

South Dakota State didn't exactly shoot the lights out, but the Jackrabbits executed when it mattered the most. SDSU shot 41.8% from the field but converted 23 of their 28 free throw attempts, including 10 of 12 in the last 2:51 to ice the game away. For the Jackrabbits, Deondre Parks stole the show with 21 points in the game. Mike Daum wasn't far behind with 18 points and seven rebounds. George Marshall and Reed Tellinghuisen combined for 21 as SDSU improved to 4-0 on the year.

Things only get harder for TCU from here on out. The Frogs will travel to Cancun, Mexico to face another NIT team in Rhode Island on Tuesday before a potential date with the #3 Maryland Terrapins on Wednesday night. Following the trip south of the border, the Frogs will return home for a contest against SMU.

Tipoff against Rhode Island on Tuesday night is set for 5:00 PM central time at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. The game will be broadcast nationally on the CBS Sports Network.