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All things considered, it wasn't that bad.
Despite being undermanned in nearly every facet of the game, TCU kept things relatively close on the road against the #1-ranked Kansas Jayhawks. In a game where both teams struggled to find any sort of offensive rhythm, Kansas put together a strong second half to come away with a 70-63 victory this afternoon.
Perry Ellis was key for Bill Self's squad in the final 20 minutes, finishing with 10 points and nine rebounds after riding the bench for most of the first half due to early foul trouble. Ellis finished as one of five Jayhawks scoring in double figures as Frank Mason, Devonte Graham, and Carlton Bragg all scored 10. Wayne Selden led Kansas with 11 points.
Kansas' two freshmen phenoms each had productive days after seeing some significant minutes. Cheick Diallo scored nine points on 4/7 shooting to go along with nine rebounds while the aforementioned Bragg added four rebounds to his 10-point day.
Michael Williams led all scorers with 13 points on 6/9 shooting. He also grabbed four rebounds. Brandon Parrish and Chauncey Collins each finished with 11 points thanks to some great shooting from behind the arc. Vladimir Brodziansky added eight points and 12 rebounds in what was his first game back in the Sunflower State after transferring to TCU from Pratt Community College.
The Frogs jumped out to an early 19-15 lead after a red-hot start from behind the arc. Parrish and Collins each knocked down two early deep balls, as the Frogs started 5/6 from three-point land. Kansas would counter with a 16-2 run, creating some distance that ultimately gave the Jayhawks a 37-28 halftime lead.
The Frogs started the second half just as strong, cutting the deficit to 41-35 before the Jayhawks quickly regained their double-digit lead. TCU would stay within striking distance for much of the second half. After Kansas opened their largest lead of the day at 66-48, the Frogs finished the game on a 15-4 run to make the final score quite respectable.
TCU was without Malique Trent for the second straight game as the sophomore guard has been suspended from the team for an unspecified violation of team rules.
The Frogs have now dropped their last four games against Kansas, but only by a combined 24 points. With the loss, TCU drops to 9-8 on the year and 1-4 in Big 12 play. The Frogs return to action on Monday night against Texas Tech.